OWL 


MERICA 


LIBRARY 

OF 

William  L  Burnett, 

FORT  COLLINS,   GOI^O. 


THE  GIFT  OF 

FLORENCE  V.  V.  DICKEY 

TO  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


THE  DONALD  R.  DICKEY 

LIBRARY 
OF  VERTEBRATE  ZOOLOGY 


W.  L.  BURNETT 


3 

x      IT         i 


\     '* 

(T  ~< 


r 


THE  WILD  FOWL  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  AND 
BRITISH  POSSESSIONS 


WILD   FOWL 

OF   THE 

UNITED  STATES 

AND 

BRITISH   POSSESSIONS 

OR    THE 

SWAN,  GEESE,  DUCKS,  AND  MERGANSERS 

OF 

NORTH   AMERICA 

WITH  ACCOUNTS  OF  THEIR  HABITS,  NESTING,  MIGRA- 
TIONS, AND  DISPERSIONS,  TOGETHER  WITH  DESCRIP- 
TIONS OF  THE  ADULTS  AND  YOUNG,  AND  KEYS 
FOR  THE  READY  IDENTIFICATION  OF  THE  SPECIES 

A  book  for  the  Sportsman,  and  for  those  desirous  of  knowing  how  to 

distinguish  these  -web-footed  birds  and  to  learn 

their  ways  in  their  native  wilds 


DANIEL  GIRAUD  ELLIOT,  F.  R.  S.  E.,  ETC 

Ex-President  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union 

Author  of  the  New  and  Heretofore  Unfigured  Birds  of  North  America :  of 

the  Illustrated  Monographs  of  the  Ant  Thrushes  (editions  1863  and 

1895),  Grouse,  Pheasants,  Birds  of  Paradise,  Hornbills,  Cats, 

etc.:  of  the  Classification  and  Synopsis  of  the  Tro- 

chilidce :  of  the  Shore  Birds,  and  Gallinaceous 

Game   fiirds    of  North    America ;    of 

.  Wolf's  Wild  Animals,  etc.,  etc. 

WITH  SIXTY-THREE   PLATES 


NEW  YORK 
FRANCIS   P.    HARPER 

1808 


COPYRIGHT,  i8g8, 

BY 
FRANCIS  P.   HARPER. 


WITHDRAWN 


682183 


THE   AUTUMN   FLIGHT. 

From  the  strongholds  of  the  North 
When  the  Ice-King  marches  forth, 

The  Southern  lands  to  harry  with  his  host; 
The  fowl  with  clang  and  cry 
Come  speeding  through  the  sky, 

And  steering  for  the  shelters  on  our  coast. 

I  hear  the  swish  and  swing 

Of  the  fleetly  moving  wing, 
I  see  the  forms  drawn  faintly  'gainst  the  sky, 

As  the  rush  of  feathered  legions 

From  out  the  frozen  regions, 
Sail  onward  'neath  the  silent  stars  on  high. 

Like  a  cloud  that's  borne  along 

By  a  mighty  wind,  and  strong, 
Then  parting,  disappears  in  vapor  light, 

They  glide  o'er  lake  and  sea 

O'er  mountain,  moor,  and  lea, 
And,  passing  swiftly,  vanish  in  the  night. 

They  seek  a  sunny  clime, 

A  land  of  blooms  and  thyme, 
The  tranquil  surface  round  the  southern  Key; 

A  home  of  peace  and  rest 

On  the  friendly  water's  breast, 
Of  lake,  or  flowing  river,  or  the  murmuring  sea, 
The  gently  heaving  bosom  of  the  sea. 


PREFACE. 

THE  Swan,  Geese,  and  Ducks  naturally  become  the 
subjects  for  the  third  volume  of  what  may  be  called  the 
series,  or  trilogy  of  "  North  American  Game  Birds." 
While  engaged  upon  this  book,  I  felt  that  I  was  writing 
the  history  of  a  rapidly  vanishing  race,  whose  serried 
hosts,  at  a  time  not  far  distant,  were  spread  over  the 
entire  length  and  breadth  of  the  continent  as  they  winged 
their  swift  flight  in  the  annual  migrations.  But  inces- 
sant persecution  and  unrestrained  slaughter  have  been 
waged  against  these  fowl,  in  all  manner  of  ways:  by  kill- 
ing the  mated  birds  in  the  spring  on  their  way  to  the 
breeding  grounds,  by  robbing  the  nests,  by  murdering 
the  young  perhaps  even  unable  to  fly,  and  by  continued 
shooting  during  their  southern  journey  and  in  their  win- 
ter residence — until  to-day  but  a  remnant  is  left  of  the 
myriad  fowl  that  at  one  time  fairly  darkened  the  air  with 
their  mighty  legions. 

And  although  it  is  apparent  to  all,  save  those  who  will 
not  see,  that  only  a  brief  period  can  elapse,  if  the  same 
conditions  continue,  before,  like  the  buffalo,  our  Water 
Fowl  will  mostly  disappear,  yet  little  is  done  to  save  them 
from  destruction,  and  the  ruthless  slaughter  goes  gayly 
on.  Improved  firearms  of  all  kinds  and  devices  of  every 
sort  to  reduce  their  numbers,  each  one  more  dangerous 
and  effective  than  its  predecessor,  are  continually  being 
introduced,  and  there  is  hardly  a  spot  all  over  our  broad 
land  where  a  wild  Duck  or  Goose  can  rest  a  moment  in 


VI 11  PREFACE. 

peace.  From  the  time  the  birds  leave  the  frozen  North- 
land, until  the  survivors  return  to  it  again  in  the  ensuing 
year,  the  hunted  fowl  run  the  gantlet  of  a  nation  in  arms ; 
and  no  sooner  do  they  pass  the  boundaries  of  the  land 
they  seek  in  the  spring  for  the  purpose  of  reproduction, 
than  the  natives  continue  the  slaughter  of  the  birds  until 
they  depart  for  southern  climes.  Is  it  any  wonder  that 
their  numbers  are  diminishing;  is  it  not  rather  a  wonder 
that  so  many  are  left?  Doubtless  these  fowl  are  one  of 
the  important  means  for  sustaining  the  lives  of  those  who 
exist  in  Arctic  solitudes,  but  the  natives,  before  they  were 
taught  the  white  man's  ways,  carried  on  no  war  of  exter- 
mination, and  the  number  of  the  invading  army  did  not 
diminish,  as  is  proved  by  the  myriads  that  once  entered 
the  United  States  every  autumn.  But  now,  provided 
with  modern  firearms,  in  place  of  the  spear  and  the  bow 
and  arrow,  the  savages  slay  the  birds  not  alone  for  their 
own  consumption,  but  also  to  supply  the  demands  of 
commerce  and  of  fashion,  while  the  eggs  are  collected  by 
boatloads  in  order  that  certain  pursuits  may  be  made 
more  profitable.  By  such  mischievous  methods  the  mis- 
guided inhabitants  of  the  Arctic  regions  are  destroying 
one  of  their  own  means  of  existence,  and  joining  with 
civilized  man  in  southern  climes,  to  hasten  the  extermi- 
nation of  the  race. 

Few  families  of  birds  have  more  admirers  than  that  of 
the  Anatidae,  and  in  the  early  autumn  the  Honk  of  the 
Goose,  or  the  whistling  wings  of  the  advancing  army  of 
Ducks,  heard  overhead  at  night  as  they  arrive  from  the 
North,  cause  many  an  eye  to  glisten,  and  many  a  pulse 
to  beat  faster  throughout  the  land.  Duck-shooting  has 
a  host  of  votaries, — perhaps  no  kind  of  field  sport  has  so 
many, — who  follow  it  enthusiastically  in  spite  of  its  often 
attendant  hardships  and  exposures. 


PREFACE.  IX 

This  volume  is  arranged  on  the  same  plan  as  those  of 
the  "  Shore  Birds  "  and  "  Gallinaceous  Game  Birds," 
now  pretty  familiar  to  my  readers.  The  species,  how- 
ever, which  are  contained  in  this  book  are  fairly  well 
known  to  most  people,  at  all  events  the  males  are;  but  as 
the  females  of  different  kinds  often  resemble  each  other 
closely,  I  have  endeavored  in  the  Keys,  when  necessary, 
to  draw  comparisons  between  them  and  call  attention  to 
their  most  marked  characteristics.  In  the  arrangement 
of  the  Family,  occasionally  in  the  selection  of  genera 
necessary  to  designate  the  different  groups,  and  in  cer- 
tain cases  also,  in  the  choice  of  specific  names,  as  well  as 
in  the  general  disposition  of  the  species,  I  have  found 
myself  obliged  to  depart  widely  from  the  method  adopted 
in  the  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  which  seems  in  a  great  degree 
to  have  been  constructed  without  sufficient  consideration 
of  the  affinities  the  North  American  Anatidae  might  pos- 
sess to  the  exotic  members  of  the  Family.  Of  course  no 
natural  arrangement  is  possible,  for  none  exists,  but  I 
have  endeavored  to  bring  together  those  groups  which 
were  most  in  accord  and  produce  a  proper  order  of  sue-. 
cession,  although  fully  aware  that  gaps  occur. 

No  birds  vary  more,  even  if  as  much,  in  their  relative 
dimensions,  as  do  the  members  of  this  family.  Not  only  is 
there  great  divergence  among  the  species  of  a  genus,  but 
also  even  among  those  which  are  members  of  the  same 
species.  In  fact  it  is  not  easy  to  find  any  two  Ducks  or 
Geese  which  are  exactly  alike  in  all  their  measurements. 
To  ascertain  how  great  these  differences  are,  it  is  only 
necessary  to  consult  Mr.  Ridgway's  "  Manual,"  when  it 
will  be  seen  that  for  a  large  proportion  of  these  birds  an 
average  measurement  is  given,  instead  of  an  EXACT  one, 
and  I  have  found  so  much  variation  existing  that  in 
many  cases,  when  the  dimension  of  a  species  is  recorded, 


X  PREFACE. 

I   have   been   compelled   to   qualify   it   with   the   word, 
"  about." 

Bearing  this  fact  in  mind,  therefore,  I  consider  it 
most  unwise  and  injudicious  to  create  even  a  subspecies 
whose  only  character  is  that  of  size,  especially  when  it  is 
attempted  to  separate  birds  of  different  lands  which  are 
so  exactly  alike  as  not  to  be  distinguished  apart  until 
the  tape-line  is  applied,  and  even  then  the  test  fails  at 
times,  as  they  are  often  found  to  be  of  the  same  dimen- 
sions. It  will  be  observed,  then,  that  in  certain  cases  I 
have  not  recognized  such  so-called  subspecies  or  allied 
forms,  believing  that,  should  I  do  so,  I  would  only  con- 
fuse my  reader  and  perplex  any  student  conscientiously 
desirous  of  studying  specific  relationships.  The  fact  that 
a  species  is  found  in  Europe  and  America  is  no  reason  • 
whatever  that  the  specimens  from  the  two  hemispheres 
must  be  specifically,  subspecifically,  or  in  any  other  de- 
gree separable,  simply  because  they  come  from  different 
localities.  Yet  it  would  seem  that  in  certain  cases  some 
writers  were  convinced  that  such  must  be  the  fact. 
A  comparatively  slight  difference  in  size  alone,  however, 
is  utterly  unreliable  as  a  distinguishing  character,  and 
should  receive  little  consideration,  save  when  accom- 
panied by  other  and  more  important  distinctions. 

In  the  Appendix  will  be  found  Keys  to  the  Subfamilies, 
Genera,  and  Species,  and  such  critical  remarks  as  more 
properly  find  there  a  place. 

The  Author  has  studied  the  Anatidae  for  many  years, 
and  he  has  with  but  few  exceptions  met  all  the  species 
mentioned  in  this  book  in  their  native  wilds,  and  the  ac- 
counts given  of  their  habits  are  derived  from  his  own  ob- 
servation. The  majority  nest  in  places  not  difficult  of 
access,  but  for  a  history  of  the  ways, .in  the  breeding  sea- 
son, of  the  few  species  that  are  then  found  only  in  the  far 


PREFACE.  xi 

Arctic  regions,  the  Author  has  relied  upon  the  naturalists 
who  have  had  opportunities  of  observing  them  in  those 
distant  localities.  The  position  and  names  of  the  feathers 
of  the  Wild  Fowl  do  not  differ  from  those  of  other  birds, 
and  they  can  readily  be  ascertained  from  the  plate  given 
in  the  "  Shore  Birds  "  which  serves  the  purpose  of  an  ex- 
planatory map.  The  drawings  of  a  considerable  number 
of  the  species  were  made  by  the  Author  at  a  time  when  he 
was  contemplating  another  work  on  the  Water  Fowl,  and 
these  have  been  reduced  by  Mr.  Edwin  Sheppard  to  the 
proper  dimensions  for  this  book.  Four  are  reduced 
copies  of  paintings  made  by  the  great  artist  Joseph  Wolf, 
for  the  Author's  work  on  the  "  Birds  of  North  America." 
The  remainder  of  the  plates  have  been  drawn  by  Mr. 
Sheppard,  who  illustrated  the  two  previous  books  of  this 
series,  and  these  exhibit  the  same  care  and  fidelity  in 
their  execution  as  characterize  the  plates  in  those 
volumes. 

For  the  loan  of  specimens  from  which  the  drawings 
by  Mr.  Sheppard  have  been  made,  I  am  indebted  to  my 
friends  Mr.  R.  Ridgway,  Curator  of  Birds  in  the 
National  Museum,  Washington,  and  Mr.  Witmer  Stone, 
Curator  of  Ornithology  in  the  Academy  of  Natural 
Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  to  whom  I  desire  to  express  my 
thanks  for  their  assistance. 

In  classifying  the  various  groups  of  the  Anatidae  it  is 
of  slight  moment  whether  one  begins  with  the  so-called 
highest  or  lowest  form,  naturalists  having  not  yet  agreed 
upon  this  point,  although  it  would  seem  advisable  in  the 
construction  of  a  pyramid  to  begin  at  the  bottom  and  not 
at  the  top.  In  the  arrangement  of  the  genera  and 
species  in  this  book,  however,  I  have  reversed  the  order 
in  the  Check  List  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union, 
because  I  desired  to  begin  with  the  most  important 


Xll  PREFACE. 

species  of  the  Water  Fowl,  and  therefore  commence  with 
the  Swan  instead  of  the  Mergansers. 

In  this  and  the  two  preceding  volumes  have  been  in- 
cluded all  the  birds  inhabiting  North  America,  north  of 
Mexico,  which  can  be  considered  "  Game,"  save  perhaps 
the  Rails,  which  by  many  are  deemed  worthy  of  being 
so  classed.  It  is  a  noble  list;  one  few  countries  of  the 
globe  can  equal  in  importance  and  variety.  For  numer- 
ous reasons,  not  the  least  of  which  are  the  economic, 
these  birds  are  a  most  valuable  possession  to  the  people 
of  this  land,  to  be  protected  with  watchful  care.  Have 
we  been  faithful  to  our  trust? 

In  the  willful  destruction  of  all  our  feathered  creatures 
that  has  been  permitted  without  restraint  for  a  long 
period  throughout  North  America,  and  which  receives 
but  little  check  to-day  in  some  districts;  in  the  lack 
of  all  intelligent  treatment  of  them  within  our  limits; 
and  in  the  non-enforcement  of  laws  passed  for  their 
protection,  our  birds  (not  only,  alas!  those  entitled 
to  the  epithet  of  "  game ")  are  being  carried  rapidly 
onward  toward  extinction.  Our  wild  quadrupeds, 
also,  are  fast  disappearing.  One,  the  grandest  of  all, 
is  even  now  practically  extinct,  and  unless  stringent 
measures  are  soon  taken  and  the  laws  for  both  their  pro- 
tection and  for  that  of  all  other  wild  creatures  rigidly  en- 
forced, waters  without  their  beautiful,  joyous  tenants,  and 
plains  and  forests  despoiled  of  their  graceful  inhabitants, 
will  bear  silent  but  eloquent  witness  to  the  folly  of  a 
people  unable  to  appreciate  the  valuable  gifts  Nature  had 
bestowed  upon  them. 

D.  G.  E. 


TABLE    OF   CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

THE  AUTUMN  FLIGHT, ,  v 

PREFACE, vii 

LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS, xv 

INTRODUCTION, xvii 

WHISTLING  SWAN, 19 

TRUMPETER  SWAN, 28 

WHOOPING  SWAN, 31 

BLUE  GOOSE, 33 

LESSER  SNOW  GOOSE, 35 

GREATER  SNOW  GOOSE 39 

Ross's  SNOW  GOOSE, 43 

WHITE-FRONTED  GOOSE,            45 

BEAN  GOOSE, 50 

EMPEROR  GOOSE. 52 

CANADA  GOOSE, 57 

HUTCHINS'  GOOSE, 69 

WHITE-CHEEKED  GOOSE, 72 

CACKLING  GOOSE, 74 

BARNACLE  GOOSE, 78 

BRANT  GOOSE,             80 

BLACK  BRANT, 84 

WOOD  DUCK 87 

BLACK-BELLIED  TREE  DUCK,          ......  92 

FULVOUS  TREE  DUCK, 95 

RUDDY  SHELDRAKE,                97 

MALLARD,             100 

DUSKY  DUCK, 106 

FLORIDA  DUSKY  DUCK, 109 

MOTTLED  DUCK, in 

GADWALL,            113 

EUROPEAN  WIDGEON, 116 

WIDGEON,            118 

SPRIGTAIL .        .        .  122 

BLUE-WINGED  TEAL 128 

xiii 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS. 


CINNAMON  TEAL  

PAGE 
.       132 

EUROPEAN  TEAL,     .        

134 

GREEN-WINGED  TEAL  

.       136 

SHOVELER  

140 

RUFOUS-CRESTED  DUCK  

.       144 

CANVAS  BACK.         .         

147 

RED  HEAD,          

•       154 

SCAUP  DUCK,           

160 

LESSER  SCAUI-  DUCK,          

.     164 

RINGED  NECK  DUCK  

169 

LABRADOR  DUCK,        

.     172 

GOLDEN  EYE  

176 

BARROW'S  GOLDEN  EYE,    

.     180 

BUFFLE  HEAD  DUCK,     

.         .          184 

LONG-TAILED  DUCK,           

.     188 

HARLEQUIN  DUCK,          .... 

iQ5 

SURF    SCOTJM,        

.       201 

AMERICAN  SCOTER,          

206 

VELVET  SCOTER,          

.       210 

WHITE-  WINGED  SCOTER,        

212 

STELLER'S  DUCK,        

.     216 

SPECTACLED  EIDER,        

2I9 

AMERICAN  EIDER  

.      222 

EIDER,             

225 

PACIFIC  EIDER,           

.      22Q 

KING  EIDER,           

234 

RUDDY  DUCK,     

•      237 

MASKED  DUCK,       

242 

AMERICAN  MERGANSER,      

•      245 

RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER,           .... 

249 

HOODED  MERGANSER,         

•      254 

SMEW  

259 

APPENDIX,            

.           .      263 

L'ENVOI,                 ....... 

.           .            3OI 

INDEX,         

•      303 

LIST    OF    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PORTRAIT  OF  THE  AUTHOR,  .        .        .        .        .  Frontispiece 

1.  WHISTLING  SWAN,  ....     Opposite  page  19 

2.  TRUMPETER  SWAN, "  "28 

3.  WHOOPING  SWAN, "  "31 

4.  BLUE  GOOSE,            . , "  "33 

5.  LESSER  SNOW  GOOSE,        ....  "  "35 

6.  GREATER  SNOW  GOOSE,          .  "       39 

7.  Ross's  SNOW  GOOSE,          .         .        .        .  "  "43- 

8.  WHITE-FRONTED  GOOSE,        .        .        .        .  "  "45 

9.  BKAN  GOOSE "  "       50  • 

10.  EMPEROR  GOOSE,     .         .        .       -.        .        .  "  "52 

11.  CANADA  GOOSE, "  "       57- 

12.  HUTCHINS'  GOOSE, "  "69 

13.  WHITE-CHEEKED  GOOSE,            .        .        .  "  "72 

14.  CACKLING  GOOSE,            "  "74 

15.  BARNACLE  GOOSE,       .                 .        .        .  "  "78 

16.  BRANT  GOOSE "  "80 

17.  BLACK  BRANT,            ......  "  "84 

18.  WOOD  DUCK,           ...-..."  "87 

19.  BLACK-BELLIED  TREE  DUCK,             .        .  92 

20.  FULVOUS  TREE  DUCK,            .        .        .        .  "  "95 

21.  RUDDY  SHELDRAKE,           .                 .        .  "      '     "       97 

22.  MALLARD "  "     100 

23.  DUSKY  DUCK,             "  "     106 

24.  FLORIDA  DUSKY  DUCK,          .        .        .         .  "  "     109 

25.  MOTTLED  DUCK, "  "     in 

26.  GADWALL, "  "113 

27.  EUROPEAN  WIDGEON,         ....  "  "     116 

28.  WIDGEON, "  "     118  • 

29.  SPRIGTAIL, "     122 

30.  BLUE- WINGED  TEAL "  "128 

31.  CINNAMON  TEAL "  "     132 

32.  EUROPEAN  TEAL, "  "134 

xv 


XVI  LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

33.  GREEN- WINGED  TEAL,  .        .         .       Opposite  page  136 

34.  SHOVELER, "  "     140- 

35.  RUFOUS-CRESTED  DUCK,         ....  '     144 

36.  CANVAS  BACK, "  "     14? 

37.  RED  HEAD, "  "     154 

38.  SCAUP  DUCK, "     160 

39.  LESSER  SCAUP  DUCK, "  '     164 

40.  RINGED-NECK  DUCK,         ....  '     169 

41.  LABRADOR  DUCK,            "  "172 

42.  GOLDEN  EYE,     .        .  ...  «...     x^ 

43.  BARROW'S  GOLDEN-EYE,  "  '     180 

44.  BUFFLE  HEAD  DUCK,          •        •        •        •  "  "184 

45.  LONG-TAILED  DUCK,  Summer  plumage,     .  "  "     188 

46.  LONG-TAILED  DUCK,    Winter  plumage,  '     190 

47.  HARLEQUIN  DUCK, "  "195 

48.  SURF  SCOTER, "  "    201 

49.  AMERICAN  SCOTER, "  "     206 

50.  VELVET  SCOTER,         .        .        .        .        .  "  "210 

51.  WHITE-WINGED  SCOTER "  "     212 

52.  STELLER'S  DUCK, "  .  "     216 

53.  SPECTACLED  EIDER, "  "     219 

54.  AMERICAN  EIDER, "  "    222 

55.  EIDER,              "  "225 

56.  PACIFIC  EIDER,           .        .        .  '     .        .  "  "229 

57.  KING  EIDER,            "  "     234 

58.  RUDDY  DUCK,    ......  "  "237 

59.  MASKED  DUCK,                "  '     243 

60.  AMERICAN  MERGANSER,      .        .        .        .  "  "245 

61.  RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER,           .        .        .  "  "249 

62.  HOODED  MERGANSER,         .        .        .        .  "  "    254 

63.  SMEW,              "  "    259 


INTRODUCTION. 

HP  HE  family  of  the  Anatidae  is  composed  of  web-footed, 
swimming  birds,  having  a  bill  covered  with  a  soft 
skin,  and  a  protuberance,  sometimes  hardly  perceptible, 
at  the  tip,  and  contains  the  Swan,  Geese,  Ducks,  and  Mer- 
gansers, constituting  Huxley's  order  CHENOMORPH^; 
(Greek  x*7",  chen,  a  goose,  -f-  p-op^rj,  morphe,  form). 

The  family  is  divided  into  several  subfamilies,  the 
number  varying  according  to  the  views  an  ornithologist 
may  have  as  to  their  necessity,  but  never  less  than  five, 
viz.:  CvGNiNyE,  Swan ;  ANSERINE,  Geese;  ANATIN^E, 
Fresh-Water  Ducks;  FULIGULINJE,  Sea  Ducks,  and 
MERGING,  Mergansers.  In  this  book  the  subfamilies 
are  seven,  as,  in  addition  to  those  just  named,  there  have 
been  adopted,  PLECTROPTERINYE,  in  which,  among  sev- 
eral other  species  all  exotic,  is  included  the  genus  yEx 
represented  in  North  America  by  our  beautiful  Wood 
Duck  (and  which  in  most  lists  is  placed  far  from  its  ap- 
parently true  position),  and  ERISMATURIN.E,  containing 
the  spine-  or  stiff-tail  ducks.  In  addition  to  these  there 
are  four  other  subfamilies;  ANSERANATUSLE,  CEREOP- 

SIN^E,      CHENONETTINyE,      and     MERGANETTIN^,      whose 

species  are  all  exotic  to  this  continent. 

These  eleven  subfamilies  possess  something  like  two 
hundred  species,  about  sixty  of  which  are  found  in  North 
America.  A  conspicuous  feature  of  these  birds  is  a  hard 
bony  expansion  at  the  end  of  the  bill,  occasionally  occu- 
pying the  whole  tip  and  frequently  bent  over,  forming  a 


XVW1  INTRODUCTION. 

hook.  This  is  called  the  nail,  whence  the  Family  is 
sometimes  named  UNGUIROSTRES.  (Latin  Ungus,  nail, 
and  rostrum,  beak). 

The  ANATIN.E  and  the  GALLING  are  probably,  to  those 
who  are  not  ornithologists,  the  most  familiar  of  the  feath- 
ered creatures.  Like  the  Gallinaceous  birds,  the  Water 
Fowl  bear  a  very  important  relation  to  man,  as  they  are 
the  source  of  all  domesticated  races  of  web-footed 
birds,  and  they  provide  one  of  the  chief  means  of  sub- 
sistence to  the  inhabitants  of  boreal  regions.  Among 
civilized  people  they  are  regarded  also  as  of  great  value 
from  an  economic  point  of  view. 

Usually  these  birds  have  a  stout,  full,  rather  heavy 
body,  with  a  moderate  or  short  neck  (exceedingly  long  in 
the  Swan),  short  legs,  placed  posteriorly  in  most  in- 
stances, and  generally  hidden  in  the  body  feathers  half- 
way to  the  heel,  with  the  tarsus  covered  with  scutellate 
or  reticulate  scale?,  sometimes  with  both,  as  in  DENDRO- 
CYGNA;  feet  palmated,  hind  toe  simple  or  lobed;  oil  gland 
present,  and  a  large  and  fleshy  tongue.  Bill  various  in 
shape,  from  broad  and  flat,  which  is  perhaps  most  usual, 
to  long  and  very  narrow.  Lamellae  (plates  or  toothlike 
processes  inside  edge  of  bill),  are  frequently  present, 
sometimes  exceedingly  prominent,  numerous,  and  close 
together,  and  vary  from  those  like  the  teeth  of  a  fine 
comb  suitable  for  sifting  ooze,  etc.,  to  a  rather  coarse 
hooklike  form,  pointing  backward  to  prevent  the  escape 
of  any  prey  that  may  have  been  seized. 

The  sternum  is  broad  and  rather  long,  with  a  notch  on 
each  side,  and  sometimes  the  keel  is  hollowed  out  for  the 
reception  of  the  windpipe.  This  organ  exhibits  curious 
modifications  in  the  various  species.  In  some  of  the 
Swan  it  enters  a  hollow  in  the  sternum,  doubles  on  itself, 
forming  a  coil,  and  then  emerges,  passing  onward  to 


INTRODUCTION.  XIX 

the  lung.  In  certain  species  of  Geese  it  forms  a  coil  be- 
tween the  skin  and  breast  muscles;  and  in  a  large  num- 
ber of  the  Ducks  and  Mergansers,  several  lower  rings  of 
the  trachea  are  united  together  and  enlarged,  producing 
a  capsule  in  the  throat.  These  convoluted  windpipes  in- 
crease the  volume  of  the  voice,  as  in  the  case  of  the 
Trumpeter  Swan,  and  in  numbers  of  other  Families  the 
twisting  and  winding  of  this  organ  are  carried  to  an  ex- 
treme within  the  breast  bone,  as  is  seen  in  the  Whooping 
Crane  (Grus  americana)  and  other  species. 

The  wings  vary  in  shape  and  in  comparative  length  to 
the  body.  Some  species  have  these  very  short,  and 
they  are  moved  with  great  rapidity,  sometimes  appear- 
ing devoid  of  outline  so  swift  is  their  action,  and  their 
possessors  go  buzzing  through  the  air  more  like  insects 
than  birds.  Again  the  wings  are  long  and  pointed,  and 
when  the  bird  is  flying  are  moved  more  slowly.  Most  of 
the  Anatidae,  however,  are  rapid  flyers,  and  even  large 
species  like  Swan  and  Geese,  although  their  flight  may 
appear  labored,  proceed  with  much  speed. 

The  plumage  is  dense  and  consists  of  a  coating  of 
down  next  to  the  skin,  protected  by  the  overlapping  outer 
feathers,  affording  a  very  warm  covering.  Most  of  the 
species  have  a  subdued  coloring,  but  some  are  arrayed 
in  a  gorgeous  dress  of  many  hues,  frequently  exhibiting 
the  brilliancy  of  metallic  iridescence.  The  tail  is  of  va- 
rious shapes,  rounded,  cuneate,  or  with  the  median  pair 
of  feathers  moderately  or  greatly  elongated.  The  bills 
also  vary  greatly,  from  those  that  are  broad,  low,  and  flat, 
through  a  shape  short,  high  at  base,  and  rather  pointed  at 
tip,  to  one  long,  narrow,  hooked,  and  serrated.  The  bill  is 
covered  by  a  skin,  which  in  the  Swan  extends  to  the  eye, 
leaving  the  lores  bare.  The  sternum  or  breast  bone 
being  broad  and  flat  with  little  or  no  keel,  the  pectoral 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

muscles  are  consequently  wide  but  not  deep,  differing 
in  this  respect  from  gallinaceous  birds,  which  have  a  large 
keel  to  the  sternum,  and  correspondingly  deep  breast 
muscles. 

As  I  have  already  mentioned,  the  economic  importance 
of  the  species  of  the  ANATID^E  is  very  great,  and  fortu- 
nately therefore  their  broods  are  large,  and  their  num- 
bers, although  very  much  lessened  in  past  years  by 
constant  slaughter,  are  fairly  maintained  in  some  portions 
of  the  continent.  Of  course,  among  so  many  kinds  there 
is  a  great  diversity  in  the  quality  of  the  flesh,  and  while 
some  are  eagerly  sought  for  their  high  excellence  there 
are  others  of  which  little  can  be  said  in  praise.  Those 
species  that  subsist  upon  rank  grasses  or  animal  sub- 
stances are  usually  impregnated  with  the  flavor  of  their 
food,  and  therefore  not  greatly  desired  for  the  table.  Of 
these  may  be  enumerated  many  of  the  Sea  Ducks,  some 
Geese,  and  the  Mergansers.  The  birds  of  this  Family 
place  their  nests  (which  are  mostly  formed  of  feathers 
and  lined  with  down,  plucked  from  the  breast  of  the 
female),  in  the  majority  of  cases  upon  the  ground,  but 
some  build  amid  the  branches  of  trees  or  occupy  hollows 
in  the  trunk,  and  a  few  even  seek  holes  in  the  banks,  near 
streams.  The  eggs  number  from  eight  to  twenty,  are 
without  markings,  and  vary  in  color  from  white  to  pale 
green.  The  young  run  and  swim  as  soon  as  they  escape 
from  the  shell,  either  seeking  the  water  themselves,  or 
else,  as  in  the  case  of  those  hatched  in  a  tree,  are  carried 
to  it  in  the  bill  of  the  female.  She  incubates  the  eggs 
and  cares  for  the  young,  in  certain  species  the  male  assist- 
ing in  watching  over  tliie  brood;  but  generally  the  males 
are  very  remiss  in  these  duties,  and,  especially  among  the 
Sea  Ducks,  frequently  desert  the  females  after  incubation 
commences,  and  go  away  by  themselves,  forming  a 


INTRODUCTION.  XXI 

group  of  idle  fellows,  whose  only  idea  of  life  is  amuse- 
ment and  sustenance. 

Between  the  sexes  of  the  Ducks  and  Mergansers  great 
difference  in  the  color  of  the  plumage  is  observable, 
males  and  females  rarely  resembling  each  other  either  in 
the  hues  or  markings  of  their  feathers,  but  among  the 
Swan  and  Geese  the  sexes  are  similar.  One  characteris- 
tic mark  of  many  species  of  Ducks  is  the  speculum,  or 
conspicuous  spot  on  the  wing  formed  by  the  coloration, 
often  metallic,  of  the  terminal  portion  of  the  secondaries. 
This  sometimes  serves  to  identify  the  species,  especially 
in  the  case  of  the  female,  and  is  frequently  of  brilliant 
hues  in  both  sexes,  though  brighter  always  in  the  male. 

The  various  groups  into  which  the  Family  has  been 
divided  are  closely  united,  and  although  there  are  many 
artificial  sections  easily  recognized  among  them,  known 
as  genera,  yet  all  the  species  are  more  or  less  nearly  re- 
lated, and  the  Family  is  a  very  compact  one,  and  easily 
distinguished  from  all  others. 

The  Wild  Fowl  are  migratory;  some,  indeed  the  great 
majority, — comprising  all  those  breeding  in  boreal 
regions, — pass  over  an  immense  extent  of  the  continent 
twice  a  year,  spring  and  autumn.  On  such  occasions 
they  proceed  in  great  flocks,  usually  some  veteran  bird 
leading  the  way,  guided  by  the  experience  derived  from 
travels  of  many  years.  The  large  species,  Swan  and 
Geese,  journey  in  a  V-shaped  formation ;  Ducks  also  fre- 
quently adopt  this  same  method,  but  they  often  also 
travel  in  a  curved  line,  occasionally  even  all  abreast. 
This  last  formation  is  not  continued  for  any  great  dis- 
tance. The  few  species  inhabiting  the  temperate  por- 
tions of  North  America,  and  which  breed  there,  make 
very  brief  migrations,  if  indeed  any  at  all.  North 
America  at  one  time  probably  contained  more  Wild  Fowl 


XXll  INTRODUCTION. 

than  any  other  country  of  the  globe,  and  even  in  the 
recollection  of  some  living,  the  birds  came  down  from 
the  Northland  during  the  autumn  in  numbers  that  were 
incredible,  promising  a  continuance  of  the  race  forever. 
I  have  myself  seen  great  masses  of  Ducks,  and  also  of 
Geese,  rise  at  one  time  from  the  water  in  so  dense  a  cloud 
as  to  obscure  the  sky,  and  every  suitable  water-covered 
spot  held  some  member  of  the  Family  throughout  our 
limits.  But  those  great  armies  of  Wild  Fowl  will  be 
seen  no  more  in  our  land,  only  the  survivors  of  their 
broken  ranks.  Let  these,  then,  have  the  protection  which 
is  their  due,  and  our  advantage  and  profit  to  accord ;  stop 
all  spring  shooting  within  our  borders,  a  time  when  the 
birds  not  only  are  usually  poor  in  flesh,  but  are  mated 
and  journeying  northward  in  obedience  to  the  command, 
"  be  fruitful  and  multiply  " ;  frown  down  all  such  bar- 
barous customs  as  "  killing  for  count,"  and  then,  with  the 
impartial  enforcement  of  the  laws  upon  all  the  people,  a 
remnant  at  least  of  our  noble  Water  Fowl  may  be  pre- 
served to  future  generations. 


1 


WATER   FOWL. 


WHISTLING  SWAN. 

/^\F  the  two  species  of  Swan  indigenous  to  North 
^^^  America,  the  present  one  is  the  smaller  and  more 
widely  dispersed.  It  ranges  in  the  northern  portions  of 
the  continent  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  and  from 
the  Arctic  regions  south  to  California  on  the  west,  and  to 
the  Carolinas  on  the  east  coast,  being  very  abundant  in 
winter  in  Currituck  Sound,  North  Carolina.  It  is  also 
found  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico, and  is  common  in  Galveston  Bay,  Texas.  Jt  hmeds 
on  both  sides  of  the  mountains  in  the  Arctic  regions;  in 
the  interior  chiefly,  if  it  stops  short  of  the  Arctic  Ocean, 
but  if  not,  then  on  the  coast  and  contiguous  islands  of  that 
sea.  It  nests  in  the  marshes  at  the  mouth  of  the  Yukon, 
and  also  along  that  great  river  above  the  Delta,  and 
on  the  shores  about  St.  Michael's.  On  the  Alaskan 
coast  by  the  Arctic  Sea  this  Swan  is  rare,  and  it  is  not 
found  in  any  of  the  islands,  nor  on  the  Siberian  shore  of 
Behring  Sea,  but  is  met  with  on  the  far  western  islands 
of  the  Aleutian  chain,  though  it  does  not  breed  on  any  of 
them. 

This  species  arrives  near  the  mouth  of  the  Yukon  the 
latter  part  of  April  or  beginning  of  May,  coming  down 
the  river  from  the  interior,  and  not  along  the  coast  from 
the  south,  and  as  they  return  the  same  way,  it  is  supposed 
they  cross  the  mountains  near  the  head  waters  of  this 


20  WATER   FOWL. 

stream.  The  nest  is  placed  upon  an  island  in  some  small 
lake,  or  on  its  borders.  It  is  a  large  structure — some- 
times six  feet  long,  four  and  a  half  wide,  and  two  high, — 
composed  of  grass,  dead  leaves,  moss,  and  other  rubbish. 
The  eggs  are  pure  white  or  fulvous,  and  the  number 
seems  to  vary  from  one  to  six,  but  I  should  imagine  the 
latter  to  be  very  exceptional,  or  else  there  must  be  a  great 
mortality  among  the  cygnets,  as  it  is  unusual  in  winter 
to  see  a  pair  of  these  birds  accompanied  by  more 
than  two  young.  The  eggs  usually  lie  hidden  in  the 
moss,  artfully  concealed  by  the  female.  By  the  last  of 
June  the  young  are  hatched,  and  are  led  by  the  parents 
to  the  nearest  water,  and  soon  after  the  adults  moult,  when 
many  are  killed  by  the  natives,  who  spear  the  defenseless 
birds  unable  to  fly,  and  sometimes  capture  them  alive. 
Toward  the  last  of  September  they  gather  in  flocks,  and 
by  the  second  week  in  October  all  have  departed  for 
southern  waters. 

While-ofl-their  journey  to  and  from  their  winter  quar- 
ters, this  Swan  deserts  the  coasts  and  proceeds..inland, 
traveling  at  a  greaTHetgh^  and  making  long  flights  with- 
out halting.  The  migrating  host  from  the  far  north,  on 
entering  the  United  States,  separates  into  three  divisions : 
the  western  keeping  to  the  Pacific  slopes,  the  center  to 
the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  (where  the  species  is  much 
more  rare  than  the  Trumpeter  Swan),  and  the  remainder, 
or  eastern  flank,  bearing  away  to  the  broad  waters  of  the 
Chesapeake  and  the  sounds  of  North  Carolina.  The 
flocks  are  strung  out  in  long,  divergent  lines,  headed  by 
some  sagacious  old  bird,  whose  powerful  wings  beat  the 
air,  and  break  a  passage,  so  to  speak,  for  those  that  fol- 
low. Whenever  he  becomes  fatigued  by  this  extra 
labor,  he  utters  a  note  that  seems  to  be  well  understood 
by  the  others,  and  falling  out  of  line,  his  place  is  supplied 


WHISTLING  SVVAN.  21 

by  another;  the  late  leader  taking  a  position  back  in  the 
ranks.  Before  alighting,  the  ground  and  water  beneath 
them  are  carefully  examined  for  any  hidden  foe,  and  after 
the  leader  is  satisfied  that  all  is  right,  with  graceful 
curves,  and  easy  sailings  on  their  great  wings,  the  birds 
alight  upon  the  water  and  commence  to  feed. 

This  Swan  makes  its  appearance  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  about  the  beginning  of  November.  It  is  rare 
north  of  the  Chesapeake,  but  very  numerous  on 
the  littoral  waters  of  North  Carolina,  and  appar- 
ently is  more  abundant  there  every  year.  They 
arrive  in  small  flocks,  succeeding  each  other  on  some 
days  in  rapid  succession;  passing  at  times  over  the 
beach,  again  over  the  ocean,  or  the  water  inside  the 
beach.  They  fly  usually  at  a  considerable  height, 
and  the  beat  of  their  great  wings  is  so  short  as  to 
give  these  the  appearance  of  being  almost  motionless. 
The  black  feet  extend  beyond  the  tail,  and  with  the  long 
neck  stretched  out  to  its  fullest  extent,  the  great  birds 
survey  the  landscape  beneath  them.  Occasionally  the 
peculiar  flageolet-like  note  is  uttered  by  the  leader,  the 
syllables  sounding  something  like  Who,  who-who,  in  a 
very  high  key,  and  this  being  responded  to  by  other 
members  of  the  flock,  a  chorus  of  weird  sounds  from  out 
the  upper  air  floats  downward  to  the  ear  of  the  watcher 
below.  Beautiful  indeed,  the  splendid  birds  appear,  sail-" 
ing  onward  in  the  blue  sky,  the  bright  rays  of  a  midday 
sun  glancing  from  their  immaculate  plumage,  causing  it 
to  glisten  with  the  sheen  of  burnished  silver,  or,  if  the 
birds  are  passing  directly  overhead,  the  light  streaming 
through  the  feathers  of  the  wings  reflects  on  the  under 
side  and  also  on  the  body,  a  glow  like  the  faint  blush  on 
the  petals  of  a  rose.  With  redoubled  cries  the  glad  birds 
welcome  the  well-known  waters  of  their  winter  home, 


22  WATER   FOWL. 

and  gradually  lowering  themselves  from  their  lofty  alti- 
tudes, turn  head  to  wind,  and  checking  their  momentum 
by  a  few  rapid  wing  beats,  launch  themselves  into  the 
waters  of  the  sound.  Should  there  be  any  Swan  in  the 
vicinity,  and  the  newcomers  are  the  fewest  in  number, 
they  swim  to  them,  otherwise  little  attention  is  paid  to 
other  flocks. 

Their  journey  having  provided  them  with  sharpened 
appetites,  they  soon  commence  to  feed  by  immersing 
their  heads  and  dragging  up  the  grass  from  the  bottom. 
If  the  water  is  deeper  than  the  length  of  the  neck,  the 
hinder  part  of  the  body  is  tilted  up  and  held  in  position 
by  gaddling  with  the  feet,  until  a  quantity  of  tender  grass 
is  torn  from  the  bottom.  While  feeding,  usually  one  or 
more  birds  keep  a  lookout  for  approaching  danger, 
and  should  any  be  descried,  a  warning  note  is  sounded, 
and  the  flock  begins  to  swim  away,  heading  to  windward, 
if  possible.  If  undisturbed,  Swan  are  very  noisy,  keeping 
up  a  continual  medley  of  cries,  usually  uttered  in  so  high 
a  key  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  imitate  without  arti- 
ficial aid,  juit-4f-aJaTmed,  the  bifTfe-immediately  become 
silent,  and  remain  so  until  the  object  of  their  fear  has 
dep_3Etedr"*~Upon  the  water  this  Swan  floats  lightly  and 
presents  a  beautiful  appearance.  When  congregated 
together  in  large  numbers  they  seem,  from  a  distance, 
like  snow  islands,  so  pure  and  white  is  their  plumage. 
As  they  move  gracefully  along,  propelled  by  a  powerful 
shove  of  one  webbed  foot  after  another,  the  neck  is 
usually  carried  upright,  though  occasionally  with  a 
graceful  curve  the  head  is  lowered  for  a  sip  of  water,  or 
to  seize  upon  a  morsel  of  floating  grass. 

Where  SwanJaavsJ^egft-feediiig  fur  ally  length  of  time 
great  holes  are  hollqwejdJjoJJieJiattom,  the  mud  or  sand 
having  been  scooped  out  by  their  powerful  bills  and  feet 


WHISTLING  SWAN.  23 

and  piled  up  on  the  side,  and  when  the  water  is 
moderately  shallow,  I  have  known  a  sailboat  to  be 
frequently  grounded  upon  the  lumps  thus  formed. 
In  this  way  these  birds  do  great  damage  to  feed- 
ing grounds,  and  destroy  very  much  more  edible  grass 
than  they  consume.  For  this  reason  they  are  not 
altogether  regarded  with  favor  by  sportsmen,  as  they 
soon  render  useless  large  tracts  of  grass-covered  bottom 
to  which  Ducks  and  Geese  would  resort  for  a  long  time, 
but  which  they  are  forced  to  desert  on  account  of  the 
wasteful  destruction  of  their  food  committed  by  the 
Swan.  As  a  rule  this  species  pays  but  little  attention  to 
decoys,  or  wooden  representatives  placed  among  a  num- 
ber of  live  Geese  tied  out  for  the  same  purpose.  Most 
of  the  birds  that  are  procured  are  shot  from  points  over 
which  the  Swan  fly  as  they  pass  up  and  down  their  feed- 
ing grounds;  or  are  killed  from  boats  sailed  down  upon 
them  before  the  wind.  Swan  being  so  large  and  heavy 
cannot  easily  take  wing,  but  are  obliged  to  force  them- 
selves over  the  water,  and  against  the  wind,  by  rapid  and 
powerful  beats  of  the  wings  and  feet,  until,  obtaining 
the  requisite  momentum,  they  are  lifted  into  the  air. 
Of  course  then,  when  a  boat  approaches  them  down 
wind,  they  are  obliged  as  it  were,  to  run  toward  it,  before 
they  are  able  to  fly  away,  and  it  not  unfrequently  happens 
that  a  person  in  a  sailboat  can  thus  get  within  shooting 
distance  of  these  wary  birds.  Large  shot  and  heavy  loads 
of  powder  are  needed  to  bring  them  down;  an  ounce 
or  an  ounce  and  a  half  of  double  T.,  with  five  drams  of 
powder,  is  a  good  load  for  them.  When  a  flock  is 
shot  on  the  wing  the  birds  rarely  swerve  from  their 
course,  and  even  when  one  falls  the  rest  close  up  the  gap 
and  keep  on  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  If  very  near 
the  sportsman,  however,  when  he  fires,  the  birds  will 


24  WATER  FOWL. 

swing  to  one  side  or  the  other,  but  immediately  after  re- 
turn and  continue  on  their  original  direct  route.  If  they 
see  anything  unusual  in  their  line  of  flight  the  leader  im- 
mediately slightly  alters  his  course,  closely  followed  in 
regular  order  by  the  birds  that  succeed  him.  When  a 
Swan  is  killed  in  the  air,  he  doubles  all  up  in  falling;  head 
neck,  wings,  and  legs  appearing  to  be  mixed  up  together; 
and  on  striking  the  water,  unless  this  is  very  deep,  the 
weight  of  the  bird  and  the  impetus  acquired  by  its  fall 
will  frequently  carry  it  quite  to  the  bottom.  I  have 
known  them  to  fall  where  the  water  was  fully  three  feet 
deep,  and  rise  to  the  surface  covered  with  mud  obtained 
from  the  bottom.  When  mortally  wounded  in  the  air, 
the  Swan  will  usually  set  its  wings  and  sail  slowly  toward 
the  earth  or  water,  whichever  it  may  "happen  to  reach. 

The  song  of  the  dying  Swan  has  been  the  theme  of 
poets  for  centuries  and  is  generally  considered  one  of 
those  pleasing  myths  that  are  handed  down  through  the 
ages.  I  had  killed  many  Swan  and  never  heard  aught 
from  them  at  any  time,  save  the  familiar  notes  that  reach 
the  ears  of  everyone  in  their  vicinity.  But  once,  when 
shooting  in  Currituck  Sound  over  water  belonging  to  a 
club  of  which  I  am  a  member,  in  company  with  a  friend, 
Mr.  F.  W.  Leggett  of  New  York,  a  number  of  Swan 
passed  over  us  at  a  considerable  height.  We  fired  at 
them,  and  one  splendid  bird  was  mortally  hurt.  On  re- 
ceiving his  wound  the  wings  became  fixed  and  he  com- 
menced at  once  his  song,  which  was  continued  until  the 
water  was  reached,  nearly  half  a  mile  away.  I  am  per- 
fectly familiar  with  every  note  a  Swan  is  accustomed  to 
utter,  but  never  before  nor  since  have  I  heard  any  like 
those  sung  by  this  stricken  bird.  Most  plaintive  in  char- 
acter and  musical  in  tone,  it  sounded  at  times  like  the  soft 
running  of  the  notes  in  an  octave. 


WHISTLING  SWAN.  25 

"  And  now  'twas  like  all  instruments, 
Now  like  a  lonely  flute ; 
And  now  it  is  an  angel's  song 
Which  makes  the  heavens  be  mute," 

and  as  the  sound  was  borne  to  us,  mellowed  by  the  dis- 
tance, we  stood  astonished,  and  could  only  exclaim,  "  We 
have  heard  the  song  of  the  dying  Swan." 

I  made  inquiries  among  the  gunners  as  to  whether  any 
of  them  had  ever  heard  notes  different  from  those  usually 
uttered  by  the  Swan,  when  one  was  mortally  wounded, 
and  some  said  they  had,  and  on  my  asking  them  what 
kind  they  were,  they  described  something  similar  to 
those  we  had  heard  and  of  which  I  have  endeavored  to 
give  an  idea.  We  recovered  the  bird,  which  was  an 
adult  in  perfect  plumage,  and  the  skin  made  into  a  screen 
adorns  the  drawing  room  of  my  friend. 

The  young  of  this  species  is  gray,  sometimes  lead 
color  during  its  first  year,  and  the  bill  is  soft  and  reddish 
in  hue.  In  the  second  year  the  plumage  is  lighter,  and 
the  bill  white,  becoming  black  in  the  third  year,  when 
the  plumage,  though  white,  is  mottled  with  gray;  the 
head  and  neck  especially  showing  but  little  white.  It  is 
probable  that  it  takes  fully  five  years  before  the  pure 
white  dress  is  assumed  and  the  bird  becomes  such  an 
ornamental  object.  The  flesh  of  the  old  birds  is  tough 
and  unfit  to  eat,  and  boiling  is  necessary  before  it 
can  be  masticated,  but  the  young  or  cygnets  are  tender 
and  well  flavored.  The  Swan  is  supposed  to  live  to  a 
great  age,  but  this  is  one  of  those  problems  very  diffi- 
cult to  solve.  The  length  of  time  the  domesticated  bird 
may  live  is  no  criterion  (on  account  of  its  altered  mode  of 
life)  to  estimate  the  age  of  the  wild  Swan,  and  of  course 
for  the  latter  it  is  impossible  to  acquire  any  data  to  enable 
a  judgment  to  be  formed.  From  fifteen  to  twenty  years, 


26  WATER  FOWL. 

I  should  suppose  would  be  the  average  limit  of  the  bird's 
existence. 

This  species  loves  to  keep  near  the  shores  of  marshes 
and  islands,  and  is  frequently  seen  standing  on  the  bank 
dressing  its  feathers.  This  habit  is  taken  advantage  of 
bys|rTe"'gtrrrrre'r,  who  selects  a  day  when  the  wind  is  blow- 
ing hard,  and  landing  upon  the  opposite  side  of  the 
marsh  or  island  on  which  the  birds  are  standing,  and 
availing  himself  of  the  shelter  of  the  reeds,  creeps  upon 
the  unsuspecting  Swan,  who  cannot  hear  him  on  account 
of  the  wind,  and  shoots  them  down  at  close  quarters. 
When  the  weather  becomes  severe  and  the  sounds  and 
bays  are  frozen,  the  Swan  are  seen  standing  on  the  ice, 
surrounded  by  the  more  watchful  geese.  If  the  severe 
wreather  continues  to  close  the  waters,  the  birds  depart 
for  more  southern  climes,  until  a  change  of  temperature 
occurs,  when  they  at  once  return  to  their  old  quarters. 

At  the  advent  of  spring  the  Swan  begin  to  show 
signs  of  uneasiness,  and  to  make  preparations  for 
their  long  journey  to  the  northward.  They  gather 
in  large  flocks  and  pass  much  of  the  time  preen- 
ing their  feathers,  keeping  up  a  constant  flow  of 
loud  notes,  as  though  discussing  the  period  of  their 
departure  and  the  method  and  direction  of  their 
course.  At  length  all  being  in  readiness,  with  loud 
screams  and  many  Who-who's  they  mount  into 
the  air,  and  in  long  lines  wing  their  way  toward  their 
breeding  places  amid  the  frozen  north.  It  has  been  esti- 
mated that  Swan  travel  at  the  rate  of  one  hundred  miles 
an  hour  with  a  moderate  wind  in  their  favor  to  help  them 
along.  The__Ani£W€aii--Svvaii  is  monogamous,  and  once 
mated--riTe^pliir3rje-^FeMtnTerH:o-  be  faithful  for  life.  The 
young  keep^vvith  their  parents  for  the  first  year,  and  these 
little  families  are  only  parted  during  that  period  by  the 


% 

WHISTLING   SWAN.  27 

death  of  its  members.  A  wounded  Swan  is  very  diffi- 
cult to  capture,  for  it  immediately  swims  away  right  in 
the  wind's  "  eye,"  and  so  rapidly  can  it  propel  itself  by  its 
broad  feet  that  a  man  in  a  boat  has  great  difficulty  in 
capturing  it.  When  overtaken,  it  is  found  to  be  no  mean 
antagonist,  for  it  can  deal  severe  blows  with  its  wings, 
sufficiently  powerful  at  times  to  break  a  man's  arm,  while 
the  great  feet  are  capable  of  committing  severe  injury 
with  their  long  claws.  It  is  therefore  necessary  to  be 
somewhat  careful  in  approaching  a  wounded  Swan. 

In  addition  to  its  smaller  size  the  present  species  can 
be  distinguished  from  the  Trumpeter  Swan  by  the  pres- 
ence of  a  yellow  oblong  spot  on  the  naked  skin  near  the 
eye,  this  part  in  the  other  species  being  all  black.  It 
weighs  from  twelve  to  twenty  pounds,  some  exception- 
ally large  birds  perhaps  a  few  pounds  more.  In 
Louisiana  this  species  is  called  Cygne. 

C VGNUS  COL  UMBIANUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — America,  generally;  Commander 
Islands,  Kamchatka.  Accidental  in  Scotland.  Breeds  in  Arctic 
regions. 

Adult. — Plumage,  pure  white;  occasionally  individuals  have 
rust  color  spots  or  blotches  on  head  and  neck,  sometimes  also  on 
the  body.  Lores  naked,  with  a  small  yellow  spot.  Bill  and  feet 
black.  Total  length,  about  50  to  55  inches;  wing  average,  21; 
tarsus,  4^;  culmen,  4. 

Young. — General  color,  gray;  sometimes  nearly  a  lead  color 
during  the  first  year,  and  the  bill  reddish  in  hue.  Second  year  the 
plumage  is  lighter  and  the  bill  is  white,  turning  to  black  in 
the  third  year,  when  the  plumage  is  white,  mottled  with  gray  on 
the  body,  the  head  and  neck  being  mostly  all  gray.  It  requires 
about  five  years  before  the  plumage  becomes  entirely  pure  white. 

Downy  Young. — Pure  white.  Bill,  legs,  and  feet,  yellow. 
From  a  specimen  taken  at  Franklin  Bay,  Ai-ctic  America,  by 
MacFarlane  in  1869,  now  in  the  Philadelphia  Academy  of  Nat- 
ural Sciences. 


TRUMPETER  SWAN. 

T^HIS  splendid  bird  differs  from  the  American  or 
Whistling  Swan  in  its  larger  size,  absence  of  yellow 
near  the  eye,  and  the  peculiar  arrangement  of  the  wind- 
pipe. It  is  found  in  the  interior  of  North  America  and  on 
the  Pacific  coast,  but  never  appears  on  the  shores  of  the 
Atlantic  unless  as  a  straggler.  It  breeds  on  the  islands 
and  in  the  low  reedy  grounds  around  Hudson  Bay,  also 
in  the  Barren  Grounds  near  the  Arctic  coast,  and  in  the 
interior  probably  on  both  sides  of  the  mountains,  but 
is  not  known  to  breed  in  Alaska.  A  single  speci- 
men was  procured  by  Dall  at  Fort  Yukon,  which  is  the 
only  record  given  of  its  appearance  in  the  Territory.  In 
the  United  States,  the  Trumpeter  *in  the  interior,  winters 
from  Illinois  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  breeds  from 
Iowa  and  Minnesota  northward.  The  nest  of  this  species 
is  a  large  structure  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  down,  and 
feathers,  and  is  placed  usually  on  elevated  ground.  The 
eggs, which  are  a  uniform  chalky  white  with  a  granulated 
surface,  are  quite  large,  from  four  to  four  and  a  half 
inches  long,  and  two  and  a  half  to  three  in  breadth. 
From  five  to  seven  is  the  complement,  and  the  young  are 
hatched  in  July,  and  are  led  by  the  parents  to  the  fresh- 
water ponds  and  lakes  in  the  vicinity.  In  August  the 
adults  moult  and  are  then  for  a  time  unable  to  fly,  and 
about  the  beginning  of  September  the  birds  commence 
to  journey  southward,  and  are  among  the  first  of  the 


TRUMPETER    SWAN.  29 

great  migratory  host  to  enter  our  limits,  and  also  to  leave 
them  again  in  the  spring. 

The  Trumpeter  swims  rapidly  and  easily,  and  when 
going  before  the  wind  raises  its  wings  and  uses  them  as 
sails  to  help  itself  along.  It  flies  very  high  and  in 
lengthened  lines,  like  the  Whistling  Swan,  and  its  speed 
in  the  air  is  about  the  same,  possibly  one  hundred  miles 
an  hour  under  favorable  conditions.  Its  voice  is  very 
different  from  that  of  the  other  species,  being  loud  and 
sonorous,  resembling  the  notes  of  a  French  horn,  the 
tone  being  caused  by  the  various  convolutions  of  the 
windpipe. 

I  do  not  think  that  this  species,  in  the  localities  it  fre- 
quents, is  as  numerous  as  is  the  Whistling  Swan  in  its 
habitats.  It  is  the  prevailing  species  in  California,  where 
it  visits  the  inland  fresh  waters,  and  is  apparently  most 
abundant  on  the  rivers  emptying  into  the  lower  Miss- 
issippi, along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  in  Western  Texas, 
where  it  is  fairly  common  in  winter.  It  does  not  differ 
in  its  habits  from  the  other  species  to  any  appreciable 
extent.  It  feeds  on  roots  of  aquatic  plants,  grasses,  shell 
fish,  Crustacea,  etc.;  and  procures  its  food  in  the  same 
way  as  the  Whistling  Swan  by  immersing  the  head  and 
neck,  and  pulling  the  desired  objects  from  the  bottom. 
It  associates  in  small  flocks  by  itself  and  is  very  shy  and 
suspicious.  The  weight  of  this  Swan  varies  from  twenty 
to  thirty  pounds,  being,  on  th'e  average,  considerably 
heavier  than  the  other  species.  It  is  a  trim,  well-shaped, 
handsome  bird,  and  when  congregated  in  numbers  on 
the  water  has  all  the  beautiful  appearance  characteristic 
of  its  relative. 

Cygne  is  the  popular  name  given  to  this  species  in 
Louisiana,  the  same  as  that  applied  to  the  Whistling 
Swan. 


30  WATER   FOWL. 


CYGNUS  BUCCINATOR. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Interior  of  North  America,  west 
to  the  Pacific  coast,  from  the  Arctic  regions  to  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico. Breeding  from  Northern  United  States,  as  Iowa  and  the 
Dakotas,  northward.  Accidental  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 

Adult. — Entire  plumage,  white;  sometimes  a  wash  of  rust  color 
on  the  head.  Bill,  lores,  and  feet,  black.  Average  total  length, 
about  63  inches;  wing,  24^;  tarsus,  4f ;  culmen,  4^. 

Young. — General  plumage,  gray,  with  rust  color  on  head  and 
neck.  Bill,  basal  end  flesh  color,  dusky  for  remaining  portion. 
Legs  and  feet,  grayish. 


WHOOPING  SWAN. 

I  T  can  hardly  be  considered  that  this  Swan  is  a  North 
American  species,  as  it  has  never  yet  been  found  upon 
this  Continent.  Its  claim  to  be  included  in  our  avi-fauna 
is  based  on  the  supposition  that  it  is  still  a  visitor  to 
Greenland.  The  Whooping  Swan  is  a  native  of  the  Old 
World,  found  throughout  the  British  Islands  and  the 
Continent  of  Europe,  going  as  far  south  in  winter  as 
Egypt  and  eastward  through  Asia  to  Japan. 

It  breeds  in  high  northern  latitudes  in  Iceland  and 
Finnish  Lapland,  and  in  the  vast  marshes  of  the  Arctic 
regions.  The  nest,  which  is  very  large,  and  said  to  be 
occupied  by  the  same  bird  for  a  number  of  years  should 
it  survive,  is  placed  on  some  tussock,  and  is  composed  of 
rushes,  grass,  and  similar  materials.  Incubation  lasts 
forty-two  days,  and  the  number  of  eggs,  which  are  yel- 
lowish white,  varies  from  four  to  seven,  the  former  being 
the  most  usual.  The  young,  which  are  generally  hatched 
in  June,  are  not  able  to  fly  until  August,  and  are  care- 
fully guarded  by  the  parents,  who  protect  them  from  their 
numerous  enemies,  becoming  the  aggressors  on  slight 
provocation,  and  are  antagonists  not  to  be  despised.  It 
is  a  handsome  bird,  though,  on  account  of  its  shorter 
neck,  not  so  graceful  as  the  Mute  Swan  (Cygnus  olor), 
so  commonly  seen  on  ornamental  waters  in  Europe.  It 
frequently  comes  upon  the  land  to  pull  up  the  grass, 
which  it  does  in  the  manner  of  geese,  and  it  walks  easily 
if  not  gracefully. 

The  Wild  Whooper  is  a  very  shy  bird,  and  permits 
nothing  of  which  it  is  suspicious  to  approach.  It  goes  in 


32  WATER  FOWL. 

moderate-sized  flocks  and  the  birds  fly  in  V-shaped  lines, 
and  continually  utter  their  trumpet  call.  In  winter  they 
gather  together  in  considerable  numbers.  This  Swan 
is  a  large  bird  and  will  weigh  from  twelve  to  twenty 
pounds.  Although  of  greater  dimensions,  it  bears 
more  resemblance  to  Bewick's  Swan  than  to  any 
other  European  species,  but  is  readily  distinguished 
by  having  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  maxilla,  or  upper 
part  of  the  bill,  yellow.  Swans  mate  for  life,  and 
the  same  pair  will  usually  return  to  the  last  year's 
nest.  Among  young  males,  or  old  males  which  have 
lost  their  mates,  fierce  fights  take  place  during  the  breed- 
ing season,  or  until  most  of  them  have  become  mated. 
The  habits  of  the  Whooping  Swan  are  similar  to  those  of 
the  Mute  Swan,  which  are  known  to  all  who  have 
watched  this  bird  in  a  domesticated  state  in  Europe. 

In  Greenland  this  present  species  formerly  used  to 
breed,  as  stated  by  the  Eskimo,  near  Godthaab,  but  was 
exterminated  when  moulting  and  unable  to  escape.  It 
has  occasionally  reappeared  in  South  Greenland  during 
the  past  thirty  or  forty  years,  but  so  irregularly,  and 
usually  single  individuals  only,  that  it  would  seem 
these  were  merely  stragglers  coming  from  Iceland,  where 
the  bird  is  known  to  breed  on  the  large  marshes. 

CYGNUS  CYGNUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  parts  of  eastern  hemis- 
phere, occasional  in  Southern  Greenland. 

Adult.— Plumage,  entirely  white.  Basal  portion  of  bill  and 
lores,  yellow,  this  color  surrounding  the  nostrils,  remainder  black. 
Legs  and  feet,  black.  Average  total  length  about  57  inches; 
wing,  24;  tarsus,  4;  culmen,  4^. 

Young.— General  color,  grayish  brown.  Bill,  base  and  lores, 
greenish  white  ;  remainder  black,  with  a  reddish  orange  band 
across  the  nostrils. 

Downy  Young.— All  white. 


BLUE  GOOSE. 

COR  a  long  time  this  fine  species  was  considered  to  be 
merely  the  young  of  the  Snow  Goose,  although  in  its 
adult  dress  it  bears  no  resemblance  to  that  bird.  Very 
little  is  known  of  either  its  economy  or  habits,  and  it  is 
seldom  seen  upon  any  of  our  seacoasts,  keeping  chiefly 
to  the  Mississippi  Valley,  where  it  is  a  migrant,  going 
in  winter  to  the  Gulf.  The  breeding  grounds  of  this 
Goose  are  unknown,  but  the  Eskimo  say  they  are  to  be 
found  in  the  interior  of  Labrador,  among  the  impene- 
trable bogs  and  swamps  that  are  so  numerous  in  that 
country.  It  is  refreshing  to  learn  that  some  birds  have 
inaccessible  retreats  where  they  can  rear  their  young 
without  molestation.  According  to  Mr.  G.  Barnstone, 
this  species  crosses  James  Bay  (in  the  southern  part  of 
Hudson  Bay),  coming  from  the  eastern  coast,  while  the 
Snow  Goose  comes  down  from  the  north,  seeming  evi- 
dently to  indicate  that  their  breeding  places  are  distinct. 
Hearne,  who  met  with  this  Goose  in  the  last  century, 
states  that  its  flesh  was  very  palatable,  quite  as  good  as 
the  Snow  Goose,  and  that  it  was  seldom  seen  north  of 
Churchill  River,  but  very  common  at  Fort  York,  and  at 
Fort  Albany.  It  is  occasionally  seen  in  company  with 
the  Snow  Goose.  The  Blue  Goose  has  been  taken 
on  the  coast  of  Maine  and  at  Grand  Menan,  but  is  very 
rare  along  the  Atlantic.  In  the  west  it  is  more  com- 
mon and  numbers  are  killed  every  winter,  but  it  has  not 
been  found  anywhere  upon  the  shores  of  the  Pacific. 
This  species  is  usually  distinguished  from  the  Snow 


34  WATER  FOWL. 

Goose,  as  the  Blue,  or  Blue  Snow  Goose,  Bald-Headed 
Goose,  White-Headed  Goose,  Oie  Bleu,  and  Blue  Brant 
in  Louisiana,  and  in  the  north  where  all  Snow  Geese  are 
called  Waveys,  as  the  Blue  Wavey.  It  is  a  very  hand- 
some bird  in  its  adult  summer  dress,  the  handsomest  in 
my  opinion  of  all  our  Geese,  and  doubtless  could  be 
domesticated  and  become  an  ornament  to  our  farmyards. 

CHEN  C&RULESCENS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Hudson  Bay,  through  interior  of 
North  America,  along  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  to  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico.  Very  rare  on  the  coast  of  Maine,  but  not  found  farther 
south  on  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic,  nor  anywhere  on  the  Pacific. 

Adult.—  Head  and  upper  part  of  neck,  white;  sometimes  a 
blackish  brown  line  extends  from  top  of  head  along  middle  of 
hind  neck.  Rest  of  neck,  breast,  back,  and  wings,  grayish 
brown.  Wing  coverts,  and  rump,  bluish  gray.  Secondaries, 
blackish  brown,  edged  with  white.  Primaries,  blackish  brown. 
Flanks,  grayish  brown ;  feathers,  tipped  with  pale  brown.  Under 
parts,  white  or  whitish;  upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  whitish. 
Tail,  brownish  gray,  edged  with  white.  Bill,  pale  pinkish;  nail, 
white;  a  black  line  along  the  edges  of  the  maxilla  and  mandible. 
Legs  and  feet,  reddish  color.  Total  length,  about  28  inches; 
wing,  16;  tarsus,  3-^;  culmen,  2T8ff. 

Young. — Like  the  adult,  but  with  the  head  and  neck  dark 
grayish  brown;  chin  only  white. 


LESSER   SNOW   GOOSE. 

'"PHIS  bird,  the  smaller  of  the  two  Snow  Geese,  is  the 
western  representative  form,  ranging  from  the  Arc- 
tic Sea,  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and 
Southern  California.  It  does  not  breed  south  of  the 
Arctic  circle,  and  during  its  migrations  makes  no  tarry- 
ing in  Alaska,  stopping  but  a  brief  period  to  rest  and 
feed  on  the  marshes,  and  then  continuing  its  jour- 
ney northward.  The  flocks  arrive  en  the  Yukon  from 
the  beginning  to  the  middle  of  May,  and  are  more  nu- 
merous in  spring  than  in  the  autumn,  when  they  return 
re-enforced  in  numbers  by  their  young  families.  None 
pass  the  winter  in  any  part  of  Alaska,  and  the  species 
does  not  seem  to  visit  the  Aleutian  Islands  at  any  time. 
On  their  return  journey  when  they  appear  in  the  United 
States,  about  the  beginning  of  September,  they  come  in 
flocks  numbering  sometimes  over  one  hundred  individu- 
als, but  are  not  seen  upon  the  coast,  performing  their 
migrations  apparently  over  the  land. 

In  Washington  and  Oregon  and  throughout  California 
this  Snow  Goose  is  very  common  in  winter,  and  fre- 
quents the  plains  and  marshes  near  the  sea.  It  arrives 
in  October,  and  remains  until  March,  and  like  the 
larger  species  is  shy  and  watchful.  In  the  interior  of  tire 
Continent  and  along  the  Mississippi  Valley  it  is  a  regu- 
lar migrant,  and  is  quite  abundant.  It  arrives  there 
about  the  same  time  as  the  members  of  the  western  army 
do  on  the  Pacific  coast,  from  the  beginning  to  the  mid- 
dle of  October,  flying  very  high  in  a  long,  extended 


36  WATER  FOWL. 

curved  line,  not  nearly  so  angular  as  the  V-shaped  ranks 
of  the  Canada  and  other  Geese.  With  their  snowy  forms 
moving  steadily  along  in  the  calm  air,  the  outstretched 
wings  tipped  with  black,  glowing  in  the  sun's  rays  with 
the  faint  blush  of  the  rose,  they  present  a  most  beautiful 
sight.  Usually  they  fly  silently  with  hardly  a  perceptible 
movement  of  the  pinions,  high  above 

"...    the  landscape  lying  so  far  below 
With  its  towns  and  rivers  and  desert  places, 
And  the  splendor  of  light  above,  and  the  glow 
Of  the  limitless  blue  ethereal  spaces." 

Occasionally,  however,  a  solitary  note  like  a  softened 
Honk  is  borne  from  out  the  sky  to  the  ear  of  the 
watcher  beneath.  Should  they  perceive  a  place  that  at- 
tracts them  they  begin  to  lower,  at  first  gradually,  sail- 
ing along  on  motionless  wings  until  near  the  desired 
spot,  and  then  descend  rapidly  in  zigzag  lines  until  the 
ground  or  water  is  almost  reached,  when  with  a  few 
quick  flaps  they  gently  alight.  It  is  difficult  to  get  close 
to  them,  as  they  are  very  watchful,  and  if  they  become 
suspicious  an  alarm  is  sounded  and  the  flock  betakes 
itself  to  some  other  locality.  Sometimes,  in  passing  from 
one  place  to  another,  they  fly  low  enough  to  give  the  con- 
cealed gunner  a  chance  for  a  successful  shot,  but  I  have 
never  known  them  to  decoy  at  all  well,  and  the  majority 
of  those  procured  are  birds  passing  to  and  from  their 
feeding  grounds. 

As  an  article  of  food  I  have'never  held  this  bird  in  any 
great  esteem,  for  if  it  was  tender  it  had  very  little  flavor, 
and  if  the  latter,  was  clearly  perceptible  it  was  generally 
of  that  kind  one  would  prefer  to  have  absent.  When 
this  Goose  first  arrives  it  is  very  apt  to  be  lean,  having 
had  but  little  time  on  its  long  journey  to  stop  and  feed 


LESSER   SNOW  GOOSE.  37 

sufficiently  to  fatten,  but  after  a  short  stay  upon  the 
plains  and  waters  of  more  southern  climes,  where  food  is 
abundant  and  easily  obtained,  it  soon  recuperates  and 
becomes  fat  and  in  fine  condition. 

At  times  this  species  assembles  in  such  multitudes  as 
to  give  the  landscape  the  appearance  of  being  covered 
with  snow,  but  if  the  sportsman,  misled  by  their  numbers, 
thinks  he  certainly  can  secure  some  individuals  out  of 
such  a  vast  concourse,  and  attempts  to  get  within 
shooting  distance  by  any  ordinary  means,  he  will  prob- 
ably find  himself  greatly  mistaken,  for  long  before  the 
desired  spot  is  gained,  he  will  see  the  vast  white  sheet 
rise,  and  countless  wings  winnow  the  air.  Sometimes- 
they  will  permit  a  wagon  to  be  driven  almost  into  their 
midst,  or  a  man  on  horseback  can  charge  at  full  speed 
and  get  up  to  them,  and  many  are  occasionally  taken  by 
these  methods,  but  they  soon  learn  what  dangers  to 
avoid,  and  are  very  successful  in  doing  so,  although  they 
may  immediately  afterward  be  deceived  by  some  more 
simple  but  novel  stratagem.  The  young  are  always  un- 
suspicious, and  can  easily  be  distinguished  from  the  old 
birds,  even  in  the  air,  by  their  grayish  plumage,  which 
makes  them  very  noticeable  among  the  pure  white  mem- 
bers of  the  flock,  and  it  a  little  distance,  they  appear  as 
if  they  had  soiled  their  feathers  in  mud,  which  had  after- 
ward become  dry. 

The  Lesser  Snow  Goose  does  not  differ  in  appearance 
from  the  larger  species,  and  it  will  be  often  necessary  to 
measure  a  specimen  to  know  to  which  form  it  belongs. 
Size  is  at  all  times  a  most  unsatisfactory  distinction. 
This  bird  is  called  Baily  (white)  Goose,  by  the  Russians, 
and  Oie  Blanche  and  White  Brant  in  Louisiana,  and  the 
same  names  are  also  applied  to  the  succeeding  form  in 
that  State. 


38  WATER   FOWL. 


CHEN  HYPERBOREUS. 

Geographical  Distribution.— rWestern  North  America  from 
the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi  to  the  Pacific  coast,  and  from 
Alaska  to  Southern  California.  Breeds  within  the  Arctic  circle. 

Adult. — Primaries,  black;  their  bases  and  coverts,  ashy.  En- 
tire rest  of  plumage,  white.  Bill,  purplish  red;  nail,  white; 
space  between  maxilla  and  mandible,  black.  Legs  and  feet, 
orange  red.  Iris,  dark  brown.  Total  length,  about  25^  inches; 
wing,  15! ;  tarsus,  4;  culmen,  2^. 

Young.- -Head,  neck,  and  upper  parts,  light  gray;  feathers  of 
back,  tertials,  and  wing  coverts,  with  dark  centers,  and  edged 
with  white.  Primaries,  black.  Rest  of  plumage,  white. 


GREATER   SNOW   GOOSE. 

I  T  is  somewhat  difficult  to  define  accurately  the  limits 
of  the  present  bird  and  the  preceding,  when  there  is 
nothing  to  distinguish  them  from  each  other  but  a  differ- 
ence of  a  few  inches  in  their  total  lengths;  and  unfortu- 
nately wild  birds  object  to  be  measured,  so  it  is  impossible 
to  verify  one's  observations  with  that  degree  of  certainty 
so  much  desired  by  all  naturalists,  and  so  rarely  obtained. 
But  since  it  has  been  decided  that  there  are  two  forms  of 
this  Snow  Goose  in  North  America,  the  present  is  con- 
sidered as  that  one  which  is  found  east  of  the  Mississippi 
Valley  and  chiefly  along  the  coast  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean, 
going  occasionally  as  far  south  as  Cuba.  Like  its 
smaller  relative  its  breeding  places  are  in  the  far  north, 
on  the  Barren  Grounds,  and  on  the  borders  of  the  Arctic 
Ocean  east  of  the  Mackenzie  River.  It  is  very  common 
in  summer  during  its  migrations  about  Hudson  Bay,  so 
abundant  that  formerly  a  single  hunter  has  been  known 
to  kill  a  thousand  to  twelve  hundred  in  a  season.  A 
much  smaller  number  than  this  has  to  suffice  at  the 
present  time.  Snow  Geese  flock  by  themselves,  and 
although  they  may  be  feeding  on  the  same  marsh  or 
plain,  or  stretch  of  water  with  other  Geese,  never  mingle 
with  them.  They  feed  chiefly  on  grass  which,  if  on  land, 
they  bite  off  with  the  side  motion  of  the  head  and  jerk  of 
the  neck  in  precisely  the  same  way  as  tame  Geese  are 
wont  to  do.  These  birds  also  eat  bulbous  roots  and  soft 
portions  of  various  water  plants,  and  their  peculiarly 
shaped  bills  are  admirably  adapted  for  cutting  or  pulling 


40  WATER  FOWL. 

apart  such  kind  of  food.  In  summer,  according  to  Rich- 
ardson, in  the  northern  regions  they  feed  on  berries,  and 
frequent  the  shores  of  lakes  and  rivers,  and  seldom  are 
seen  on  the  water  except  at  night  or  when  moulting. 
MacFarlane  discovered  on  an  island,  in  a  lake  near  Liv- 
erpool Bay,  some  nests  of  the  Snow  Goose  which  were 
mere  holes  or  depressions  in  the  sandy  soil  well  lined 
with  down.  The  eggs  are  large  and  yellowish-white. 
The  young  are  on  the  wing  by  the  middle  of  August,  and 
feed  at  first  chiefly  on  insects  and  rushes,  and  later  on 
berries.  They  are  excellent  for  the  table,  and  form,  with 
the  adults,  the  staple  article  of  food  for  the  natives  in  that 
region. 

Previous  to  starting  on  their  southern  journey  the 
birds  desert  the  marshes,  and  keep  near  the  edge  of  the 
water  as  it  ebbs  and  flows,  dressing  their  feathers  con- 
tinually. Then,  all  being  ready,  they  take  advantage  of 
the  first  wind  from  the  north  and,  mounting  into  the  air, 
are  borne  at  a  high  speed  by  their  own  efforts  and  favor- 
ing breezes,  away  from  the  ice-bound  shores  to  sunnier 
climes,  leaving  the  cheerless  land  that  had  been  their 
summer  home  to  lapse  into  the  silence  and  darkness  of 
a  continued  night. 

"  With  mingled  sounds  of  horns  and  bells 
A  far-heard  clang,  the  Wild  Geese  fly, 
Storm-sent  from  Arctic  moors  and  fells, 
Like  a  great  arrow  through  the  sky." 

On  the  northern  portion  .of  the  Atlantic  coast  the 
Snow  Goose  cannot  be  said  to  be  common,  and  in 
many  parts  is  seldom  seen.  Small  flocks  are  occa- 
sionally met  with  on  the  waters  of  Long  Island,  but 
the  species  becomes  more  abundant  on  the  shores 
of  New  Jersey  and  the  coasts  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina,  where,  in  the  latter  State  in  the  vicinity  of  Cape 


GREATER   SNOW  GOOSE.  41 

Hatteras,  and  along  the  beaches  and  inlets  of  Albemarle 
Sound,  it  sometimes  congregates  in  great  multitudes. 
Occasionally  flocks  of  considerable  size  may  be  seen  on 
the  inner  beach  of  Currituck  Sound  where  the  water  is 
brackish,  but  the  birds  do  not  remain  any  length  of  time 
in  such  situations.  They  present  a  beautiful  sight  as 
they  stand  in  long  lines  upon  the  beach,  their  pure,  im- 
maculate plumage  shining  like  snow  in  the  sun,  against 
the  black  mud  of  the  marshes  or  the  dingy  hues  of  the 
shore.  It  is  very  difficult  to  approach  them  at  such 
times,  as  they  are  exceedingly  watchful  and  wary,  but 
occasionally  a  few  may  leave  the  main  body,  and,  if  flying 
by,  will  draw  perhaps  sufficiently  near  to  Geese  decoys, 
or  live  Geese  tied  out  in  front  of  a  blind,  to  afford  an 
opportunity  for  a  shot.  The  chances  are  better,  however, 
for  the  sportsman,  when  these  Geese  are  moving  in  small 
flocks  of  six  or  seven,  as  they  are  then  more  apt  to  come 
near  the  shore  looking  for  favorable  feeding  places,  or 
spots  on  the  beach  to  sand  themselves. 

It  is  a  very  silent  species,  and  save  for  exceptional 
reasons  such  as  becoming  alarmed,  or  when  about  to 
migrate,  it  rarely  utters  a  sound.  The  bill  of  this  Goose 
is  very  strong  and  highly  colored,  with  the  edges  of  the 
upper  and  lower  parts  widely  gaping,  giving  it  a  grinning 
expression,  but  it  is  an  instrument  admirably  adapted  for 
the  employment  given  it  by  the  owner,  that  of  forcibly 
pulling  reeds,  grasses,  etc.,  up  by  the  roots.  Beside  the 
name  of  Snow  Goose,  both  this  species  and  the  allied 
form  are  known  throughout  the  land  as  White  Brant. 
In  the  "  Fur  countries  "  the  Greater  Snow  Goose  is 
called  the  Common  Wavey,  also  along  the  Atlantic  coast 
it  is  known  as  Red  Goose,  probably  from  the  color  of  its 
bill  and  legs,  and  Texas  Goose,  for  no  reason  that  I  can 
see  whatever. 


42  WATER  FOWL. 


CHEN  HYPERBOREUS  NIVALIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Shores  of  the  Arctic  Ocean  east 
of  the  Mackenzie  River,  occasionally  going  south  as  far  as  Cuba, 
and  from  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 
Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

A dult.— Resembles  the  Lesser  Snow  Goose  in  the  color  of  the 
plumage,  but  is  somewhat  larger  in  its  measurements.  Average 
total  length,  34  inches;  wing,  17-^;  tarsus,  3^;  culmen,  2T6ff. 
The  average  difference  between  the  Greater  and  Lesser  Snow 
Geese  as  given  in  Ridgway's  "  Manual  "  is,  total  length,  9  inches; 
wing,  i^;  culmen,  \\  tarsus,  TV 

From  these  measurements  it  will  be  perceived  that  it  would  be 
practically  hopeless  to  try  to  originate  any  method  for  accu- 
rately separating  these  birds,  for  a  specimen  of  the  Lesser  Snow 
Goose  might  be  found  larger  than  one  of  its  supposed  big 
"brothers." 

Downy  Young. — Lores,  dusky.  Two  black  stripes  from  bill, 
passing  above  and  beneath  the  eye.  Top  of  head,  dark  olive 
brown.  Sides  of  head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts,  light  yellow. 
Upper  parts,  dark  olive  brown.  Bill,  black;  nail,  yellowish 
white.  Specimen  in  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  procured  loth 
July,  1893,  at  Glacier  Valley,  Greenland,  together  with  the  adult 
female;  Lieutenant  Peary's  Expedition. 


f-v      JP 


ROSS'S  SNOW  GOOSE. 

'"PHIS  is  one  of  the  smallest  Geese  known,  a  fully  adult 
bird  weighing  only  about  two  and  a  half  to  three 
pounds.  It  is  remarkable  for 'the  curious  carunculations 
at  the  base  of  the  bill.  It  breeds  in  some  part  of  the 
Arctic  regions,  but  its  nest  and  eggs  have  not  as  yet  been 
discovered.  Ross's  Goose  has  never  been  found  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States,  but  it  is  not  uncom- 
mon in  parts  of  California  in  winter,  and  has  been  seen 
in  the  San  Joaquin  Valley  in  considerable  numbers.  Its 
journey  to  the  south  seems  to  lie  to  the  westward  en- 
tirely, and  but  little  is  known  of  its  habits  beyond  the  few 
observations  made  in  California,  and  I  have  always  re- 
garded it  as  the  rarest  of  our  Geese.  It  has  a  cry  like  that 
of  the  Cackling  Goose,  and  usually  associates  with  the 
Lesser  Snow  Goose,  and  accompanies  flocks  of  that  bird 
in  the  air,  flying  on  one  side  or  the  other,  or  else  is  scat- 
tered throughout  the  ranks  of  the  main  body  of  the  larger 
birds.  It  was  discovered  by  Hearne,  who  called  it  the 
Horned  Wavey  and  said  that  two  or  three  hundred  miles 
west  of  Churchill,  "which  is  near  the  west  shore  of  Hud- 
son Bay,  he  saw  them  in  as  large  flocks  as  the  Common 
Wavey  or  Snow  Goose.  The  flesh,  he  says,  was  ex- 
tremely delicate,  and  as  a  proof  of  it  he  ate  two  of  them 
one  night  for  supper,  which  was  doing  very  well,  even  for 
an  Arctic  appetite.  It  is  a  beautiful  little  bird,  and  it  is 
to  be  regretted  that  more  do  not  enter  within  our  limits. 


44  WATER  FOWL. 


EXANTHEMOPS  ROSS  I  I. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Arctic  America,  south  in  winter 
to  Southern  California,  east  to  Montana. 

Adult. — Entire  plumage,  pure  white,  with  the  exception  of 
the  primaries,  which  are  black.  Bill,  dull  red;  nail,  white,  with- 
out any  black  line  along  the  gape.  Basal  portion  of  maxilla 
covered  with  wart-like  excrescences.  Legs  and  feet,  reddish. 
Average  total  length,  23  inches;  wing,  I4TV,  tarsus,  2T%;  cul- 
men,  IT\. 

Young. — Resemble  those  of  the  Lesser  Snow  Goose,  but  are 
of  a  generally  lighter  color.  . 


WHITE-FRONTED  GOOSE. 

"THE  White-fronted  Geese  from  the  Old  and  New 
Worlds  have  been  separated  into  a  species  and  sub- 
species, based  solely  upon  size;  the  American  birds 
averaging  a  little  larger,  something  like  one  inch  in  total 
length  and  in  the  tarsus  and  culmen  about  half  an  inch 
each.  As  all  critical  remarks  are  reserved  for  the 
Appendix  it  is  not  necessary  here  to  discuss  the  wisdom 
of  separating  these  birds,  but  merely  to  state  that  as  there 
is  no  difference  in  their  plumage,  and  the  only  way  to 
distinguish  a  specimen  (if  two  forms  are  recognized)  is 
by  the  locality  and  the  tape-line  (and  one  cannot 
always  then  be  certain),  I  have  not  deemed  these 
distinctions  as  of  sufficient  importance  to  separate  the 
European  and  American  examples,  and  in  this  book 
have  considered  them  as  one  species.  The  White- 
fronted  Goose  is  found  generally  throughout  North 
America  from  the  Arctic  Sea  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and 
Cuba,  and  also  occurs  in  Greenland.  It  is  rare  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States,  occasional  indi- 
viduals having  been  taken  as  far  south  as  Long  Island, 
but  in  its  migrations  it  tends  more  to  the  westward, 
is  found  in  winter  throughout  the  Mississippi  Valley,  and 
is  common  in  various  parts  of  Texas.  On  the  Pacific 
coast  it  is  very  abundant  from  Alaska  to  Mexico.  It 
breeds  throughout  the  Arctic  regions  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  Pacific,  nesting  on  the  lower  Anderson  River  from 
its  mouth  to  Fort  Yukon;  frequents  the  Siberian  shore 
of  Behring  Straits,  is  found  on  the  Commander  Islands, 


46  WATER  FOWL. 

and  various  others  in  Behring  Sea,  and  also  about  the 
islands  of  the  Aleutian  chain,  but  is  not  known  to 
breed  on  any  of  the  last  named.  At  St.  Michael 
Island  this  species  is  abundant  in  May,  and  is 
called  the  Tundrina  Goose  or  Low-ground  Goose. 
Mr.  MacFarlane,  who  found  many  of  their  nests  on 
the  Anderson  River,  states  that  these  were  depressions 
in  the  soil,  and  in  nearly  every  instance  lined  with  dried 
grass,  down,  and  feathers.  In  Alaska  the  nest  is  placed 
in  a  hollow  in  the  sand,  or  on  the  bank  of  some  large 
pond  or  grassy  flat,  and  is  lined,  like  those  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  continent,  with  grass  or  moss.  But  as  the 
eggs  are  laid,  the  female  plucks  down  from  her  breast, 
increasing  the  quantity  until,  the  complement  having 
been  reached,  the  eggs  are  fairly  covered.  These  are 
dull  white,  very  similar  to  those  of  the  Snow  Goose. 

The  White-fronted  Goose  reaches  its  breeding 
grounds  early  in  May,  and  is  a  very  noisy  bird,  and  an- 
nounces its  presence  by  loud  cries.  Mating  accom- 
plished they  scatter  in  pairs,  selecting  sites  for  their  nests 
and  preparing  for  the  serious  duties  of  incubation.  They 
remain  about  the  fresh-water  lakes  and  ponds,  and  sub- 
sist upon  grasses,  berries,  and  such  like  food.  The 
parents  attend  the  young  until  the  latter  are  able  to  fly, 
usually  in  August,  and  later  gather  together  in  large 
flocks  preparatory  to  starting  on  their  southern  journey, 
which  is  begun  toward  the  last  of  September.  This 
species  usually  makes  its  appearance  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States  in  October,  and  is  most  numerous,  as 
already  stated,  on  the  Pacific  side  of  the  continent.  .  It  is 
often  seen  associating  with  other  Geese,  especially  the 
Snow  Geese,  with  which  it  appears  to  be  on  most  friendly 
terms.  The  birds  seek  their  feeding  grounds,  if  away 
from  the  coast,  in  the  early  mornings,  and  as  they  often 


WHITE-FRONTED   GOOSE.  47 

follow  the  same  line  of  flight  going  and  returning,  many 
are  shot  by  sportsmen  who  have  taken  positions  along 
their  routes.  When  much  hunted  they  become  very  shy 
and  wild,  and  permit  nothing  to  approach  them,  and  have 
sentinels  posted  to  give  due  warning  of  danger,  and  as 
soon  as  an  alarm  is  sounded  each  individual  throughout 
the  flock  is  on  the  alert,  and  if  the  cause  of  their  sus- 
picion remains,  the  entire  company  takes  wing  for  an- 
other locality.  Although  the  name  by  which  this  species 
is  generally  known  to  the  gunners  of  the  west  is  Brant, 
it  has  also  various  others  in  different  parts  of  its  disper- 
sion. Some  of  these  are  Laughing  Goose, — on  account 
of  its  cry,  supposed  to  resemble  the  sound  man  makes 
when  laughing, — Prairie  Brant,  Speckled  Belly,  Speckled 
Brant,  Gray  Goose,  Pied  Brant,  Yellow-legged  Goose, 
etc.;  and  Oie  Caille  and  Gray  Brant  in  Louisiana.  This 
Goose  is  a  most  excellent  bird  for  the  table,  especially 
if  young,  as  it  receives  from  its  customary  diet  no  strong 
or  disagreeable  flavors,  and  can  rank  as  an  article  of  food 
with  any  other  species  of  Goose,  excepting  possibly  a 
young  bird  of  the  salt-water  Brant.  The  downy  young 
are  very  pretty  little  creatures,  as  they  appear  in  their 
various  colors  of  sooty  brown  relieved  by  olive  and 
lemon  yellow.  This  plumage  lasts  but  a  short  time,  when 
they  begin  to  assume  the  mature  dress,  and  early  in  the 
autumn  they  can  hardly  be  distinguished  from  the  adult, 
differing  chiefly  in  not  having  the  white  on  the  head  at 
the  base  of  the  bill,  and  less  black  on  the  lower  parts. 

In  the  Old  World  this  Goose  is  dispersed  throughout 
the  northern  portions,  and  ranges  eastward  as  far  as 
China  and  Japan.  As  is  its  custom  in  America  it  flies  in 
V-shaped  flocks,  sometimes  at  a  very  considerable 
height,  frequents  low  marshy  districts  and  feeds  upon 
water  plants  and  grasses.  At  times  it  resorts  to  culti- 


48  WATER  FOWL. 

vated  fields  and  picks  up  the  grain  scattered  over  the 
ground,  but  as  a  rule  it  is  a  vegetable  feeder.  It  is  not 
uncommon  on  the  coasts  of  Great  Britain,  and  in  Egypt 
I  found  it  the  most  abundant  of  the  Geese  that  are  accus- 
tomed to  resort  to  the  Nile.  This  species  breeds  near 
fresh-water  ponds  not  far  removed  from  the  coast,  de- 
positing its  eggs  in  a  depression  in  the  ground,  lined 
with  down.  These  are  like  those  laid  in  America 
as  may  be  supposed,  yellowish-white,  and  six  to  eight  in 
number.  This  Goose  was  well  known  to  the  ancient 
Egyptians,  and  its  portrait  frequently  appears  upon  their 
monuments,  and  one  of  the  earliest  pictures  of  birds 
known  to  exist  was  found  in  a  tomb  at  Mayoum,  Egypt, 
and  represents  this  species. 


ANSER  ALBIFRONS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  both  Hem- 
ispheres, extending  eastward  to  Japan.  General  throughout 
North  America,  south  in  winter  to  Cape  St.  Lucas,  Mexico,  and 
Cuba.  Rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  Greenland. 

Adult. — Fore  part  of  head,  white,  bounded  posteriorly  with  a 
narrow,  almost  imperceptible,  line  of  black.  Rest  of  head  and 
neck,  dark  brown;  in  some  specimens  the  upper  part  of  head  and 
nape  is  very  dark  brown,  causing  this  part  to  appear  like  a  cap. 
Back  and  wings,  grayish  brown,  feathers  tipped  with  white. 
Greater  wing  coverts  ash  gray,  tipped  with  white.  Primaries, 
black.  Rump,  slate  brown.  Lower  parts,  grayish  white,  blotched 
with  black,  the  amount  of  these  blotches  varying  greatly  among 
individuals.  Upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Tail,  dark 
grayish  brown,  the  feathers  edged  and  tipped  with  white.  Iris, 
dark  brown.  Bill,  orange  yellow  ;  nail,  white.  Legs  and  feet, 
orange  or  orange  red.  Average  total  length,  28  inches;  wing, 
about  isi;  tarsus,  2£;  culmen,  iTV 

Young. — No  white  on  the  head,  which  is  all  dark  brown,  and 
no  black  marking  on  the  under  parts;  nail  of  bill,  dusky. 

Downy  Young. — Middle  of  crown  and  entire  back,  including 


WHITE-FRONTED   GOOSE.  49 

the  upper  surface  of  the  wings  and  outer  side  of  thighs,  sooty 
brown,  with  an  olive  shade.  From  the  bill  a  band  extending 
back  through  the  eye  is  of  a  slightly  darker  shade  than  surround- 
ing feathers.  Nape  and  back  of  neck,  olive  yellow.  Entire 
lower  surface  rich  lemon  yellow,  washed  with  lighter  on  the 
abdomen  (Nelson). 


BEAN  GOOSE. 

'"PHIS  is  another  species  from  the  Old  World,  taken 
into  our  list  of  American  birds  on  a  statement 
that  a  specimen  was  seen  or  procured  in  North 
Greenland.  However,  this  is  not  of  much  impor- 
tance to  those  who  shoot  Wild  Fowl,  because  it 
is  not  at  all  likely  that  they  will  ever  meet  this 
bird  in  the  flesh  in  North  America,  and  it  is  prob- 
ably a  very  exceptional  occurrence  that  one  even  goes  as 
far  west  as  Greenland.  But  there  is  a  specimen  in  the 
zoological  museum  at  Copenhagen  stated  to  have  come 
from  that  land,  and  on  this  testimony  the  Bean  Goose 
becomes  an  American  bird.  We  are  not  informed  what 
are  the  reasons  for  believing  the  specimen  came  from 
Greenland,  and  museum  examples  have  been  known  to 
bear  wrong  localities  upon  their  labels,  but  let  us  hope 
this  is  not  the  case  in  this  instance,  and  although  we  can 
never  expect  to  see  the  Bean  Goose  flying  free  within  our 
limits,  it  will  be  satisfactory  to  believe  a  venturesome  in- 
dividual did  get  at  one  time  as  far  westward  as  Green- 
land. In  many  parts  of  Europe  and  Asia  it  is  a  common 
species,  frequenting  the  coasts,  and  also  inland  localities 
more  often  than  is  usual  with  other  species  of  Geese.  It 
is  a  wary  bird  and  keeps  to  open  places,  and  has  sentinels 
posted  to  warn  the  flock  of  approaching  danger.  It 
breeds  in  high  latitudes. 

ANSER  FA  BALIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  Europe  and  Asia,  in 
winter  to  southern  Europe  and  Northern  Africa.  Very  acci- 
dental in  Greenland. 


BE  A  N  GOOSE.  51 

Adult. — Head  and  neck,  grayish  brown,  darkest  on  head, 
white  patch  on  forehead.  Back  and  scapulars,  dark  brown 
feathers  edged  with  grayish  white.  Rump,  blackish  brown. 
Wings  brown,  grayish  on  coverts,  which  with  secondaries  and 
tertials  are  edged  with  white.  Breast,  pale  brown;  sides  and 
flanks,  brown,  edges  paler.  Upper  and  under  tail  coverts, 
abdomen,  and  vent  white.  Bill,  middle  part  deep  orange, 
remainder  with  nail  black.  Iris,  dark  brown.  Legs  and  feet, 
orange.  Total  length,  about  32  inches.  Wing,  19;  culmen,  2Tsff; 
tarsus,  2T%. 

Female.— Like  the  male,  but  is  usually  somewhat  smaller. 


EMPEROR   GOOSE. 

'"PHIS  handsome  Goose  is  one  of  the  very  few  water 
fowl  that  are  met  with  in  North  America  that  I  have 
never  seen  alive,  and  on  account  of  its  very  limited  disper- 
sion, one  desiring  to  study  its  habits  in  its  native  haunts 
must  visit  that  portion  of  Alaska  lying  between  Behring 
Strait  on  the  north  and  the  Aleutian  Islands  on  the  south. 
This  species  breeds  about  the  mouth  of  the  Yukon,  and 
around  St.  Michael's,  and  probably  on  the  north  coast  of 
Siberia  west  of  Behring  Straits,  and  passes  the  winter 
about  the  eastern  islands  of  the  Aleutian  chain.  It  is 
seldom  seen  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  but 
occasionally  a  straggler  is  taken  within  our  borders,  as 
in  the  winter  of  1884  when  one  was  procured  in  Hum- 
boldt  Bay,  Northern  California,  by  Mr.  Charles  Fiebig, 
who  says  the  Emperor  Geese  occur  there  at  long 
intervals. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  much 
of  our  knowledge  of  the  habits  and  economy  of  the  va- 
rious birds  that  periodically  visit  the  Arctic  regions,  has 
given  some  interesting  notes  of  this  species,  of  which  the 
following  is  a  transcript.  From  the  22d  of  May  to  June 
i  this  Goose  becomes  daily  more  common  at  St. 
Michael's,  until  at  the  latter  date  the  main  body  has  ar- 
rived, and  their  forms  and  notes  are  as  familiar  as  are 
those  of  the  White-fronted  and  White-collared  or  Cack- 
ling Geese.  The  first  comers  are  very  shy,  but  become 
less  so  when  they  begin  to  arrive  in  flocks.  At  a  long 
distance  they  can  be  distinguished  by  their  heavy  bodies, 


EMPEROR   GOOSE.  53 

short  necks,  and  quick  wing-strokes,  resembling  those 
of  the  Black  Brant.  Although  not  so  rapid  on  the  wing 
as  that  species,  nor  in  fact,  as  are  other  Geese,  they  are 
nevertheless  swift  flyers.  When  on  their  way  between 
feeding  grounds  they  utter  a  hoarse,  deep,  strident  Cla- 
hd,  cla-ha,  cla-ha,  very  different  from  the  note  of  any  other 
Goose.  Soon  after  their  arrival  mating  begins,  and  in 
couples  they  fly  about  keeping  close  to  the  ground,  rarely 
rising  thirty  yards  above  it.  The  males  are  jealous  and 
pugnacious,  making  a  vigorous  onslaught  upon  any  one 
of  their  kind  or  any  other  species  of  Goose,  should  they 
draw  near.  When  a  mated  pair  are  feeding,  the  male  is 
restless  and  watchful,  and  if  alarmed  the  birds  draw  near 
each  other,  and  before  taking  wing,  both  utter  a  deep 
ringing  U-liigh,  ii-lugh.  There  is  a  peculiar  deep  hoarse- 
ness about  this  note  impossible  to  describe.  By  June 
the  females  begin  to  lay  on  the  flat  marshy  islands  near 
the  sea,  and  at  low  tide  the  broad  mud  flats  on  the  shore 
are  thronged  with  them,  rnd  after  feeding,  they  congre- 
gate on  the  bars  until  forced  to  leave  by  the  incoming 
tide.  Most  of  the  nests  were  placed  on  the  marshes,  and 
sometimes  the  eggs  were  deposited  amid  driftwood  below 
high-water  mark.  It  is  not  always  easy  to  distinguish 
this  Goose  when  on  the  nest,  even  when  there  is 
not  much  cover,  as  the  bird  extends  her  head  and  neck 
flat  upon  the  ground,  remaining  perfectly  motionless,  and 
does  not  leave  the  nest  until  the  object  of  her  alarm  has 
passed,  when  she  usually  moves  off  with  a  startled  cry. 
The  eggs  are  placed  in  a  depression  in  the  ground,  and 
in  number  they  range  from  five  to  eight,  and  when  fresh 
are  pure  white  or  nearly  so,  but  become  a  dirty  brownish 
white  after  remaining  in  the  nest  a  brief  period.  As  the 
number  of  eggs  increase,  the  female  forms  a  bed  of  fine 
grass,  leaves,  and  feathers,  the  latter  plucked  from  her 


54  WATER  FOWL. 

own  breast.  When  disturbed  the  female  usually  flies 
straight  away,  sometimes  for  half  a  mile  before  alighting, 
and  betrays  little  concern  for  her  treasures.  The  male  is 
rarely  seen  in  the  vicinity  of  the  nest.  By  the  last  of 
June  or  beginning  of  July  the  young  are  hatched,  and 
from  the  last  of  July  to  the  middle  of  August  the  adults 
moult.  At  this  season  tens  of  thousands  of  Geese  of  all 
kinds  are  killed  by  the  Eskimo,  who  set  long  nets  across 
the  marshes  and  drive  the  moulting  birds  into  them.  This 
slaughter  is  bad  enough,  but  is  rendered  still  more  repre- 
hensible from  the  fact  that  the  savages  kill  thousands  of 
young  birds  that  are  at  such  times  entrapped,  to  prevent 
them,  as  they  say,  from  being  in  the  way  for  the  next 
drive.  Is  it  to  be  wondered  that  the  Wild  Fowl  in  North 
America  are  rapidly  marching,  in  so  many  cases,  toward 
extinction,  when  such  practices  are  indulged  in,  even  on 
their  very  breeding  grounds?  The  eggs  of  the  Emperor 
Goose  are  eagerly  sought  for  both  by  the  natives  and 
whites,  and  take  the  place  of  meat  on  the  daily  bill  of  fare. 
When  again  able  to  fly,  these  Geese  gather  along  the  sea- 
coast,  and  remain  there  until  winter  drives  them  to  the 
Aleutian  Islands  a  few  hundred  miles  south.  The 
natives  south  of  the  Yukon  make  dresses  from  the  skins 
of  this  bird,  as  they  do  also  of  those  of  other  species  of 
Geese. 

The  Emperor  Goose  is  difficult  to  kill,  and  it  requires 
a  heavy  charge  of  shot  to  bring  it  down.  It  is  hardly  fit 
for  food,  the  flesh  being  coarse,  rank,  and  with  a  de- 
cidedly unpleasant  odor,  says  Turner;  but  Dall  states 
that  though  the  flesh  has  an  intolerable  odor  of  garlic, 
which  makes  the  process  of  skinning  a  very  disagreeable 
task,  yet  this  passes  away  when  the  bird  is  cooked,  and 
he  found  it  tender  and  good.  This  species  visits  the 
Prybilof  Islands,  but  only  as  a  straggler.  In  the 


EMPEROR   GOOSE.  55 

month  of  October,  usually  from  the  7th  to  the  2oth,  says 
Turner,  a  strong  north-northeast  wind  blows,  attaining 
at  times  great  velocity.  This  has  the  effect  of  lowering 
the  waters  of  Norton  Sound  to  a  remarkable  degree, 
sometimes  as  much  as  eight  feet  below  the  lowest  mark 
attained.  At  such  times  the  Emperor  Geese  visit  the 
vicinity  of  Stewart's  and  St.  Michael's  Islands  to  feed  on 
the  shell  fish  exposed  by  the  receded  Water.  By  the  I5th 
of  November  they  depart  for  the  south  side  of  the  penin- 
sula and  the  Aleutian  Islands,  arriving  at  Unalaska  by  the 
ist  of  December  and  remaining  until  the  next  April. 
The  Russian  name  of  this  bird  is  Sa  sar  ka,  which 
means  Guinea  Hen,  as  they  fancy  there  is  a  resemblance 
in  the  coloring  between  that  bird  and  this  Goose.  In 
the  Aleutian  Islands  it  is  called  the  Lidenna  Goose,  and  at 
Norton  Sound  it  is  known  as  the  White-headed  Goose. 


PHILACTE  CANAGICA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Coast  of  Alaska,  between  Behr- 
ing  Sea  and  the  Aleutian  Islands.  Mouth  of  the  Yukon,  possibly 
on  Siberian  coast,  west  of  Behring  Straits.  Commander  Islands, 
Kamchatka;  casually  in  winter  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  the  United 
States  as  far  south  as  Humboldt  Bay,  California. 

Adult.— Head  and  back  of  neck,  white.  Forehead  and  cheeks, 
frequently  stained  with  rust  color.  Throat  and  fore  part  of  neck, 
brownish  black,  feathers  on  lower  part  of  neck,  with  a  small 
white  spot  at  tip.  Back  and  under  parts,  bluish  gray,  the  feath- 
ers having  a  subterminal  black  bar  and  white  tips,  much  more 
distinct  on  the  back  than  on  the  lower  parts.  Secondaries, 
brownish  black,  edged  with  white.  Primaries,  blackish  brown. 
Lower  back  and  upper  tail  coverts,  bluish  gray,  the  subterminal 
bar  and  whitish  tips  indistinct.  Basal  half  of  tail,  slate  color, 
remainder  white.  Iris,  hazel.  Bill,  maxilla  pale  purplish,  washed, 
with  fleshy  white;  nail,  horn  white,  edges  dark  horn  color;  man- 
dible, horn  color,  with  white  spot  on  each  side.  Membrane  of 


56  WATER  FOWL. 

nostrils,  livid  blue.  Legs  and  feet,  bright  orange  yellow  (Nel- 
son). Total  length,  26  inches;  wing,  14^-15^;  tarsus,  2^;  cul- 
men,  i-fo. 

Young. — Similar  to  the  adult,  but  with  the  head  and  neck, 
brownish  black;  the  feathers  on  top  of  the  head,  speckled  with 
white. 


CANADA  GOOSE. 

^PHE  common  Wild  Goose  is  distributed  generally 
throughout  North  America  from  the  Arctic  Sea  to 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  breeding  as  far  south  as  Colorado,  near  lakes  at 
high  elevations.  No  species  of  our  Wild  Fowl  is  better 
known,  nor  its  advent  within  our  borders  more  eagerly 
anticipated.  It  breeds  in  many  parts  of  the  northern 
United  States,  and  thence  northward  throughout  the 
Arctic  Regions,  chiefly,  however,  to  the  east  of  the  moun- 
tains. In  Alaska  it  is  rare  upon  the  coast,  though  it  is 
met  with  along  the  Yukon  River,  but  is  supplanted  in 
that  Territory  by  several  allied  though  smaller  species. 
It  has  been  found  nesting  by  Richardson  on  the  lower 
Anderson  River,  but  he  says  it  does  not  go  to  the  coast. 
It  seems  to  prefer  the  interior  of  the  country  during  the 
breeding  season,  selecting  wooded  and  swampy  districts, 
and  apparently  at  that  time  avoids  the  neighborhood  of 
the  ocean.  Its  arrival  in  the  northern  .latitudes  from 
the  South  is  always  hailed  with  joy  by  the  inhabitants 
of  those  cheerless  regions,  as  they  depend  largely  upon 
these  birds  for  their  means  of  subsistence.  It  is  among 
the  first  of  the  Wild  Fowl  to  appear  in  the  spring,  and 
soon  begins  to  prepare  for  its  matrimonial  duties. 

In  about  three  weeks  after  their  arrival  the  birds  have 
selected  their  mates,  and  are  dispersed  throughout  the 
country,  choosing  sites  for  the  nests  in  secluded  places 
in  the  vicinity  of  quiet  water,  and  where  the  cover  of 
grass  or  plants  is  sufficient  for  concealment.  The  nest  is 


58  WATER  FOWL. 

usually  upon  the  ground,  although  it  has  been  found 
upon  the  stump  of  a  tree  surrounded  by  water,  and  also 
in  the  branches  of  a  tree  at  a  considerable  height.  It  is 
composed  of  various  materials,  such  as  dry  plants,  dead 
leaves  and  grass,  or  sticks  and  moss,  lined  with  feathers 
and  down,  and  is  quite  large.  The  eggs  vary  from  six  to 
nine,  sometimes  more,  when  the  bird  is  domesticated,  and 
they  are  a  uniform  ivory  white.  During  July  the  young 
are  hatched,  and  the  old  birds  moult.  This  is  a  danger- 
ous period  for  them,  as  their  means  of  escape  are  limited 
to  hiding  away  in  the  marshes,  at  which  they  are  very 
skillful,  or  else  keeping  out  in  the  center  of  lakes  or  other 
large  bodies  of  water.  Many,  however,  are  killed  at  this 
period,  and  sometimes  whole  flocks  are  captured  alive, 
of  which  fact  Hearne  relates  an  instance  when  some  In- 
dians drove  into  Fort  Prince  of  Wales,  on  the  Churchill 
River,  forty-one  old  and  young  birds  which  were  incapa- 
ble of  flying,  and  which  were  herded  as  easily  as  if  they 
had  been  domesticated. 

As  the  days  begin  to  shorten,  and  ice  to  form  upon  the 
inland  waters  and  along  the  borders  of  the  sea,  the  Wild 
Geese  commence  to  prepare  for  their  journey  South. 
Much  conversation  is  indulged  in,  and  doubtless  the 
various  routes  are  discussed,  and  instructions  to  the 
young  given  as  to  how  they  must  behave  in  the  trying 
times  before  them;  as  there  is  no  doubt  that  birds  and 
other  animals  can  converse  as  intelligently  with  each 
other  as  men  can,  so  far  as  making  their  wants  and  inten- 
tions known.  Feathers  having  been  thoroughly  preened 
and  cleansed,  and  protected  by  an  abundant  dress- 
ing of  oil,  everything  is  in  readiness,  and  a  favorable 
wind  from  the  north  having  sprung  up,  the  flock,  usually 
consisting  of  a  single  family  (although  sometimes  two  or 
three  may  join  together),  with  loud  cries  and  much  flap- 


CANADA    GOOSE.  59 

ping  of  the  wings,  and  beating  of  the  water  with  the  feet, 
rises  in  the  air  and  takes  a  direct  course  for  the  winter 
home.  Led  by  some  experienced  gander,  who  has  also 
the  extra  duty  of  cleaving  the  way  through  the  air,  which 
becomes  at  times  most  fatiguing,  the  birds  are  strung 
out  in  a  lengthened  Y-shaped  line,  each  one  protected 
to  a  certain  extent  against  the  wind,  if  adverse,  by  the 
one  in  front,  and  with  slow,  heavy  beating  of  the  wings, 
the  flock  speeds  on  by  day  and  night  with  great  rapidity. 

"  Then  stood  we  shivering  in  the  night-air  cold, 
And  heard  a  sound  as  if  a  chariot  rolled 
Groaning  adown  the  heavens;  and  lo!  o'erhead, 
Twice,  thrice  the  wild  geese  cried;  then  on  they  sped, 
O'er  field  and  wood  and  bay,  toward  Southern  seas; 
So  low  they  flew  that  on  the  forest  trees 
Their  strong  wind  splashed  a  spray  of  moonlight  white; 
So  straight  they  flew,  so  fast  their  steady  flight. 
True  as  an  arrow  they  sailed  down  the  night; 
Like  lights  blown  out  they  vanished  from  the  sight. " 

There  is  nothing  to  intercept  their  course;  in  the  great 
fields  of  air  through  which  they  move,  there  are  no 
bounds  or  limits,  nor  barriers  of  any  kind;  the  route  is 
free  and  open.  At  least  so  it  appears  to  us  as  we  watch 
them  steering  across  the  blue  vault  of  heaven,  sending 
down  at  intervals  from  out  the  sky  a  note  of  recognition 
to  the  inhabitants  of  earth. 

But  all  is  not  so  free  and  without  restraint,  even  to  the 
voyagers  of  the  trackless  wastes  of  the  airy  regions,  for 
in  their  path  rises  occasionally  a  fleecy  mist  that  obscures 
all  landmarks,  and  although  it  might  be  supposed  that 
birds  like  these,  whose  instincts  are  so  keen  and  unerr- 
ing, would  never  lose  the  points  of  the  compass,  yet 
when  shut  in  by  a  fog  or  encompassed  by  a  storm  of 
snow,  the  Geese  become  confused,  seem  to  lose  all  knowl- 


60  WATER  FOWL. 

edge  of  their  course,  and  frequently  descend  and  alight 
upon  the  ground.  Passing  over  large  cities,  or  forests 
of  shipping,  sometimes  has  a  similar  effect  upon  them. 

Migration  is  performed  usually  at  night,  though  at 
times  many  flocks  are  seen  journeying  by  day.  When 
desiring  to  rest  and  feed,  the  ground  beneath  is  care- 
fully scanned,  in  order  to  select  the  place  offering  the 
best  sources  of  nourishment,  as  well  as  affording  se- 
curity from  all  danger.  A  suitable  spot  having  been 
found,  at  a  call  from  the  leader  the  birds  begin  to  de- 
scend, lowering  themselves  rapidly,  and  at  times  sailing 
along  on  motionless  pinions.  If  they  have  decided  sud- 
denly to  stop,  they  will  frequently  drop  abruptly  in 
a  zigzag  course,  as  is  described  in  the  articles  on  cer- 
tain species  of  Ducks,  and,  when  nearing  the  ground  or 
water,  turn  against  the  wind  and  settle  gently  down. 

When  traveling  the  leader  often  utters  a  Honk,  as  if 
asking  how  those  following  him  were  getting  on,  and  is 
answered  with  an  "  All  well  "  reply  from  the  rear.  If  he 
becomes  fatigued  by  the  extra  labor  of  cleaving  the  air  he 
falls  out  to  one  side,  and  some  other  old  bird  moves  up 
and  takes  his  place,  the  former  leader  dropping  into  the 
ranks  again  without  disturbing  their  regularity  or  check- 
ing the  speed.  This  movement  is  accomplished  with  an 
ease  and  smoothness  that  could  only  come  from  long 
practice,  and  is  most  pleasing  to  witness. 

Toward  October,  or,  if  the  season  is  late,  some  time  in 
November,  these  Geese  begin  to  arrive  on  the  waters  of 
our  sea-coasts,  and  throughout  the  interior  of  the  United 
States,  seeking  their  winter  quarters.  They  come  in 
comparatively  small  flocks,  succeeding  each  other 
rapidly,  generally  flying  high  in  the  air,  and,  on  alight- 
ing, congregate  together  in  masses,  often  containing 
many  hundreds  of  individuals.  They  are  usually  very 


CANADA    GOOSE.  6 1 

noisy,  the  Honks,  in  many  keys  and  variations  of  inflec- 
tion, resounding  from  every  side.  They  seem  delighted 
to  have  successfully  reached  what  may  possibly  be 
the  termination  of  their  journey  (though  doubtless  many 
a  member  of  the  little  band  has  fallen  by  the  way),  and 
splash  about  in  the  well-known  waters,  wash  and  dress 
their  feathers,  and  maintain  an  uninterrupted  flow  of 
conversation.  They  keep  much  to  themselves,  whether 
on  the  prairie  or  on  the  water,  associating  at  times  with 
the  Swan,  if  any  are  in  the  vicinity;  though  they  make 
no  objection  to  flocks  of  various  species  of  Ducks  remain- 
ing with  them,  and  it  is  no  unusual  sight,  on  large  bodies 
of  water  in  winter,  to  see  flocks  of  Geese  surrounded  and 
mixed  up  with  great  multitudes  of  deep-water  Ducks, 
and  even  Mud  Hens  or  Blue  Peters  (Fulica  americand), 
which  on  calm  days  are  in  the  habit  of  gathering  in  large 
numbers  on  the  open  water  away  from  shore. 

At  all  times  the  Canada  Goose  is  a  vigilant  and 
wary  bird,  having  sentinels  posted  at  various  points 
when  the  members  of  a  flock  are  feeding,  which  with 
outstretched  necks  remain  motionless,  keeping  a  keen 
watch  around.  These  are  not  neglected  by  their  fellows, 
but,  after  a  spell  of  duty,  are  regularly  relieved  by  others. 
While  trusting  in  a  large  degree  to  their  guardians,  the 
other  members  of  the  flock  are  by  no  means  neglectful 
of  all  proper  precaution,  and  each  one  also  is  on  the  alert 
for  danger  even  when  engaged  in  feeding.  They  sub- 
sist upon  berries  in  their  season,  grasses,  roots,  and  leaves 
of  various  marine  plants,  which  they  dig  up  from  the 
bottom  with  their  bills.  This  Goose  does  not  dive  when 
feeding,  but,  keeping  in  shallow  water,  tilts  up  the  hind 
parts  as  do  the  Mallard  and  other  Ducks,  holding  itself 
in  position  by  paddling  with  the  feet,  and  reaching  down 
to  the  full  extent  of  the  long  neck,  grasps  and  pulls  up 


62  WATER  FOWL. 

the  tender  grass  and  plants  growing  beneath.  Some- 
times the  flocks  dig  large  holes  in  the  bottom,  but  com- 
mit nothing  like  the  damage,  nor  waste  such  quantities 
of  food  as  do  the  Swan.  Canada  Geese  have  no  special 
time  for  feeding,  and  seem  to  find  much  pleasure  in  the 
occupation  both  during  the  day  and  night.  If  they  de- 
sire to  seek  their  food  in  the  marshes,  they  generally 
enter  them  at  night,  two  or  three  hours  after  sundown, 
and  their  arrival  in  such  places  is  always  known  by  the 
honking  of  the  birds  as  they  prepare  to  alight,  or  as 
those  already  on  the  ground  salute  the  newcomers. 
While  feeding,  if  feeling  secure,  they  are  often  very 
noisy,  and  keep  up  a  continual  calling.  Soon  after  the 
rising  of  the  sun  they  leave  the  marshes  and  retire  to  the 
bays  and  sounds,  and  usually  keep  well  away  from 
the  shore. 

When  a  flock  is  on  the  wing,  its  members  always  give 
an  intimation  of  their  desire  to  alight  by  sailing  on  mo- 
tionless pinions  for  a  short  distance.  Unless  frightened 
away,  this  action  is  almost  universally  the  precursor  of 
a  cessation  of  flight.  The  Wild  Goose  is  very  fond  of 
sanding,  as  it  is  called,  and  daily  will  visit  the  beach  or 
bars  in  the  rivers  or  sounds  to  obtain  this  much-desired 
article,  and  if  undisturbed  will  gather  in  such  places  in 
immense  numbers  at  certain  stages  of  the  water  or  tide. 
Advantage  is  taken  of  this  habit  by  sportsmen,  and  holes 
are  dug  in  the  sand,  into  which  boxes  are  placed  large 
enough  to  hold  one  or  two  men,  and  sand  piled  about 
them  as  a  breastwork,  or  surrounded  by  reeds  stood  up- 
right. Wooden  or  live  decoys  are  placed  about  this 
blind,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  wind,  for  the 
Geese  will  always  swing  round  so  as  to  come  up  to  them 
against  the  wind  before  alighting.  A  flock  of  these  large 
birds  approaching  the  decoys  is  a  beautiful  sight,  and  we 


CANADA    GOOSE.  63 

will  take  our  position  in  such  a  box  and  see  how  they 
appear  as  in  all  confidence  they  draw  near  the  dangerous 
spot.  The  boxes  are  either  long  enough  for  a  man  to 
lie  down  in  at  full  length,  or  deep  and  wide  enough  to 
enable  him  to  sit  upon  a  bench  or  plank  nailed  across  it 
about  halfway  down. 

We  take  our  places  in  one  of  the  latter  kind,  and  look 
out  through  the  reeds  over  the  water.  If  we  have  live 
decoys  they  are  strung  out  in  diverging  lines,  each  bird 
tied  by  the  leg  to  his  perch  or  post,  on  which  is  a  plat- 
form just  below  the  surface  for  him  to  stand  on  when 
tired  with  swimming.  Before  us  stretches  the  wide  ex- 
panse of  the  sound  or  bay,  traversed  at  times  by  small 
skiffs,  which,  with  their  white  sails,  resembling  birds' 
wings,  dart  hither  and  thither.  Various  kinds  of  Ducks 
are  speeding  along  in  undulating  lines  high  in  air, 
or  just  skimming  the  surface  of  the  water,  while  with  a 
whiz  and  a  buzz,  a  Hooded  Merganser,  or  Ruddy  Duck, 
or  Buffle  Head  will  swing  in  toward  our  hiding  place 
and  then  dart  by  at  a  speed  an  express  train  would  be 
unable  to  equal.  But  moving  slowly  along  apparently, 
on  heavy  wings,  a  dark  mass  comes  into  view, 
piercing  the  air  with  its  wedge-shaped  phalanx.  At 
times  a  faint  cry  is  borne  to  our  ears,  like  a  chal- 
lenging note,  and  the  decoys  cease  for  a  moment 
from  struggling  with  their  straps,  or  from  preening  their 
feathers,  and  with  lifted  heads  stand  motionless,  listening 
for  a  repetition  of  the  well-known  sound.  The  flock,  at 
first  so  indistinct,  now  is  well  in  view,  and  the  call 
of  the  leader,  responded  to  by  his  followers,  comes 
over  the  wrater  in  clear  and  unmistakable  tones.  The  de- 
coys are  at  once  alert,  and  their  ringing  notes  of  invitation 
are  uttered  earnestly  and  in  quick  succession.  The  on- 
coming birds  hear  the  call,  and,  catching  sight  of  their 


64  WATER  FOWL. 

brethren  supposedly  enjoying  themselves  in  a  most  favor- 
able location,  turn  in  their  course,  and  rapidly  approach 
the  spot  with  answering  cries.  As  they  draw  near  the  de- 
coys become  silent,  and  the  advancing  birds  also  cease 
their  calling,  and  even  though  members  of  their 
own  race  are  standing  in  full  view,  with  that  wariness 
and  suspicion  which  is  their  very  nature,  they  gaze  with 
watchful  eyes  about  the  place.  Usually,  seeing  nothing 
but  their  own  kind  before  them,  and  stillness  reigning 
around,  they  set  their  wings  preparatory  to  alighting. 

Nothing  in  Wild-fowl  shooting  than  this  oncoming 
phalanx  is  more  beautiful  or  attractive  to  the  sportsman, 
— sitting  like  a  stone  image  in  his  box,  hardly  daring  to 
breathe,  gripping  his  gun  as  if  his  fingers  would  sink 
into  the  metal  of  the  barrels, — as  he  peers  between  his 
enveloping  rushes.  Onward  they  come,  the  birds  float- 
ing on  silent  wings,  at  equal  distances  apart,  looming 
up  to  the  eyes  of  the  stiffened  gunner  in  his  crouch- 
ing posture  until  they  seem  as  large  as  Swan,  and  twice 
as  near  as  they  really  are.  The  decoys,  as  if  they  knew 
what  would  be  the  result  of  this  arrival  of  their  brethren, 
and  (so  like  is  bird  nature  to  much  of  human 
nature),  rather  exultant  at  the  success  of  their  share 
in  the  deception,  remain  still  and  watch  the  approaching 
birds.  Getting  nearly  abreast  of  the  leading  decoy,  the 
flock  swings  around  toward  the  wind  and,  facing  the 
breeze,  with  a  few  flaps  glide  gently  into  the  water. 
They  now  gather  together  in  a  bunch  and,  having  satis- 
fied themselves  that  they  have  nothing  to  fear,  swim 
gradually  up  to  the  decoys,  and  frequently  commence 
to  fight  with  them,  but  finding  that  they  are  fastened  to 
something,  and  some  of  the  captives  beginning  to 
struggle  for  freedom,  their  easily  aroused  suspicions  are 
awakened,  and  they  begin  to  move  away. 


CANADA    GOOSE.  65 

The  sportsman,  who  has  been  waiting  for  a  favorable 
opportunity  to  get  as  many  heads  in  line  as  possible,  so 
as  to  secure  the  most  birds  at  the  first  shot,  seeing  this 
action,  is  obliged  to  accept  the  chance  he  can  get  before 
they  swim  out  of  gunshot,  and  aiming  where  the  heads 
are  thickest,  without  rising  discharges  his  first  barrel, 
and  springs  to  his  feet,  to  avail  himself  of  the  next  best 
opportunity.  With  the  roar  of  the  gun,  the  Geese  rise 
en  masse,  and  the  air  is  full  of  twisting  birds  and  flapping 
wings,  a  mixture  of  varying  strokes  and  moving  forms 
most  bewildering  to  the  novice,  who,  distracted  by  the 
commotion,  probably  fires  his  remaining  charge  in  the 
air,  expecting  most  of  the  birds  to  fall.  Not  so  the  cool 
and  experienced  shot,  who,  knowing  full  well  that  he  can 
only  get  a  single  bird,  except  by  accident,  selects  the  one 
giving  the  most  favorable  opportunity,  and  adds  it  to 
those  floating  on  the  water.  The  remaining  Geese 
rapidly  take  themselves  away  from  such  a  dangerous 
neighborhood,  and  with  many  Honks  express  their 
disapproval  of  the  whole  business.  It  is  astonishing  how 
speedily  such  large  birds  can  get  upon  the  wing  and  out 
of  range  on  such  an  occasion  as  the  one  described.  The 
decoys,  which  have  remained  quite  silent  during  all  the 
commotion,  and  have  witnessed  the  slaughter  of  their 
brethren,  now  express  their  satisfaction  by  splashing  the 
water  over  themselves,  swimming  about  and  gabbling  to 
each  other  rapidly  in  low  tones,  and  then  mount 
onto  their  platforms  to  watch  for  more  Geese  to 
allure  to  destruction.  The  dead  birds  float  back 
upward,  if  shot  on  the  water,  with  the  head  and 
neck  immersed,  while  the  wounded  ones,  laying 
the  head  and  neck  flat  upon  the  surface,  try  to 
skulk  away,  paddling  toward  the  marsh  or  beach  to 
hide,  or  directly  in  the  wind's  eye  for  the  open  water.  It 


66  WATER  FOWL. 

is  wonderful  how  skillful  wounded  Geese  are  in  getting 
away,  and  how  difficult  it  is  to  see  one  skulking  at  any 
distance  upon  the  water  if  it  is  at  all  rough.  They  can 
dive  and  go  quite  a  little  distance  under  the  surface,  and 
they  avail  themselves  of  all  the  artifices  at  their  command, 
to  escape  capture.  If  a  wounded  bird  succeeds  in  gain- 
ing the  marsh  or  an  extensive  bed  of  reeds,  nothing  but  a 
good  retriever  is  able  to  capture  it.,  ' 

Sometimes  when  a  flock  has  settled  before  the  decoys 
and  is  swimming  toward  them,  and  the  sportsman  is  get- 
ting ready  to  fire,  a  Honk  is  heard  above,  and  another 
flock  comes  sailing  in  to  join  the  others,  thus  necessitat- 
ing a  cessation  of  hostility  for  the  time  being.  I  remem- 
ber on  one  occasion  when,  as  I  was  about  to  fire  at  a 
number  of  Geese  before  me,  I  was  stopped  by  hearing  the 
call  of  an  old  gander  as  he  led  his  company  up  to  my 
blind,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  flock  after  flock  arriving 
in  succession  in  the  same  way,  keeping  me  in  a  con- 
strained, uncomfortable  position,  for  I  did  not  dare  to 
move,  the  birds  being  both  over  and  around  me,  until  at 
least  one  hundred  Geese  were  gathered  in  front  of  my 
position.  It  is  such  occasions  that  try  the  nerve  of  a 
sportsman,  and  compel  him  to^exert  himself  and  control 
his  natural  impulse  to  shoot  at  the  many  birds  in  close 
proximity,  and  patiently  wait  for  the  more  favorable 
chance  upon  the  water.  The  flight  of  the  Wild  Goose, 
though  apparently  labored,  is  really  not  so,  and  the  bird 
moves  at  a  rapid  speed,  and  is  able  to  protract  it  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time.  The  beat  of  the  wings  is 
steady  and  performed  with  great  regularity,  and  their 
wide  expanse  is  one  of  the  causes  of  the  fine  appearance 
of  the  birds  when  sailing  up  to  the  decoys. 

The  Wild  Goose  is  easily  domesticated,  and  will  breed 
in  confinement,  and  often  is  as  contented  in  captivity  as 


CANADA    GOOSE.  67 

the  common  farmyard  bird.  Individuals  that  have  been 
wounded  and  captured,  after  they  have  recovered,  often 
make  excellent  decoys  for  their  wild  brethren,  honking 
with  great  vigor  at  every  flock  which  comes  in  sight. 
They  are  easily  kept  in  confinement,  only  evincing  a  de- 
sire to  depart  when  the  time  for  the  annual  spring  migra- 
tion comes,  and  then  they  watch  for  their  brethren  on  the 
wing  bound  for  the  northern  breeding  grounds.  In  the 
interior  the  Wild  Geese  visit  the  grain-fields  in  great 
numbers,  and  many  are  killed  in  such  places,  from  blinds 
made  in  the  stacks  of  straw,  or  in  holes  in  the  ground. 
Also  the  latter  device  is  employed  out  on  the  open  prai- 
rie in  the  route  the  birds  have  adopted  during  the  even- 
ings and  mornings,  when  flying  to  and  from  their  feeding 
grounds. 

As  spring  draws  near  and  the  green  of  the  reviving 
grass  and  rushes,  and  the  swelling  of  the  buds  upon  the 
trees  denote  the  beginning  of  another  summer,  the 
Wild  Geese  grow  uneasy  and  congregate  together,  keep- 
ing up  an  incessant  honking  and  gabbling,  with  much 
dressing  of  the  feathers  and  general  preparation  for  a 
great  event.  As  the  days  lengthen  and  the  sun  grows 
warmer,  a  few  flocks  will  be  seen  high  in  air,  headed  to 
the  northward,  and  at  length  the  time  comes  when,  all 
being  ready,  the  main  body,  with  many  Honks  as  in  one 
great  chorus  of  farewell,  takes  leave  of  its  winter  home, 
and  starts  on  its  long  journey  toward  the  Pole.  Some 
linger  on,  keeping  company  perhaps  with  wounded 
birds  unable  to  conquer  the  long  route  northward, 
and  some  remain  to  breed  even  in  latitudes  that 
may  be  considered  southern.  But  after  the  month 
of  April,  in  most  localities,  unless  the  season  is 
exceptionally  late,  the  great  armies  of  this  species 
have  left  our  limits,  and  the  sounds  and  bays 


68  WATER  FOWL. 

and  wide  sheets  of  water,  which  during  all  the 
dreary  months  have  echoed  with  the  stirring  calls,  and 
been  enlivened  by  the  moving,  active  figures  of  these 
gamy  birds,  will  lie  silent  and  in  many  instances  de- 
serted, until  with  the  chill  winds  of  another  autumn  are 
heard  the  joyful  cries  of  the  returning  squadrons,  recog- 
nizing again  their  winter  home. 

This  species  has  very  many  trivial  names,  and  besides 
those  already  employed,  is  called  by  some  Cravat  Goose, 
Bay  Goose,  Black-headed  Goose,  Reef  Goose,  and  Gray 
Goose,  while  in  Louisiana  it  is  known  as  Outarde. 

BRANT  A    CANADENSIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Throughout  North  America, 
from  the  Arctic  Sea  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Breeds  in  Northern  United  States  and 
throughout  the  Arctic  regions,  mainly  east  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. 

Adult. — Head  and  neck,  black.  A  triangular  white  patch  on 
each  cheek,  extending  over  the  throat,  sometimes  divided  on  the 
latter  by  a  black  line.  Upper  parts,  dark  brown,  the  feathers 
tipped  with  light  brown.  Primaries,  rump,  and  tail,  black.  Lower 
parts  gray  or  brownish  gray  passing  gradually  into  the  white  of 
the  anal  region.  Upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Bill,  legs, 
and  feet,  black.  Iris,  brown.  Tail  feathers  from  18-20.  Individ- 
uals vary  greatly  in  size,  but  the  average  will  be  somewhat  as 
follows:  Total  length,  38  inches;  wing,  18;  tarsus,  3;  culmen,  z\. 

Young. — Similar  to  adult,  but  the  white  cheek  patches  are 
speckled  with  black,  and  the  black  neck  grades  into  the  grayish 
hue  of  the  upper  part  of  the  breast. 

Downy  Young. — Patch  on  occiput  and  upper  parts,  olive 
green;  under  parts,  light  greenish  ochre. 


HUTCHINS'  GOOSE. 

l_J  UTCHINS'  Goose  during  the  winter  season  frequents 
chiefly  the  western  portions  of  the  United  States.  It 
breeds  in  the  far  north  on  the  shores  and  islands  of  the 
Arctic  Sea,  and  in  the  Delta  of  the  Yukon,  also  at  St. 
Michael's.  It  is  abundant  in  the  Aleutian  Islands  and 
nests  on  Atka  and  the  Nearer  Islands.  The  nests  are 
placed  on  the  shores  near  fresh  water,  or  on  small  islands 
in  the  lakes  or  large  ponds,  and  consist  of  a  quantity  of 
dry  grass  and  leaves  with  some  down  and  feathers  inter- 
mingled. The  number  of  eggs  is  generally  six,  and  in  the 
Aleutian  Islands  Dall  says  this  species  chooses  hilltops 
for  its  breeding  places,  and  the  young  were  unfledged  on 
July  10.  In  its  habits  and  economy  Hutchins'  Goose  re- 
sembles the  Cackling  Goose,  but  in  appearan ~e  perhaps  is 
nearest  to  the  Canada  Goose,  though  greatly  inferior  in 
size,  its  average  total  length  being  about  ten  inches  less. 
In  its  migrations  it  usually  keeps  to  the  sea-coast,  but  in 
the  United  States  it  passes  through  the  Mississippi  Val- 
ley to  the  Gulf,  but  not  in  any  great  numbers,  while  on 
the  Pacific  coast  it  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the 
Geese.  It  associates  with  the  Canada  Goose,  and  once 
I  shot  a  fine  specimen  of  Hutchins'  Goose  from  out  a 
flock  of  its  larger  brethren  at  Puckaway  Lake,  Wiscon- 
sin. This  specimen  is  now  in  the  Museum  of  Natural 
History  in  New  York.  The  flock  was  flying  by,  and 
noticing  a  small  bird  toward  the"  rear  of  the  line,  I  killed 
it,  and  found  I  had  a  fine  specimen  of  Hutchins'  Goose. 
In  California  this  species  frequents  the  marshes  on  the 
coasts  and  also  visits  the  plains  in  the  interior,  and  joins 


70  WATER  FOWL. 

the  procession  of  Water  Fowl  as  it  moves,  morning  and 
evening,  to  and  from  its  feeding  grounds.  The  flocks 
are  often  approached  by  the  sportsman,  who  keeps  him- 
self hidden  behind  an  ox  trained  to  walk  slowly  along, 
feeding  as  it  goes,  until  their  vicinity  is  reached  and  the 
gun  can  be  discharged  with  deadly  effect.  Sometimes 
a  wagon,  drawn  by  oxen,  can  be  driven  near  enough  to 
bring  the  birds  well  within  range.  In  Texas  this  Goose 
is  also  common,  but  upon  the  Atlantic  coast  is  not  fre- 
quently met  with,  so  far  as  my  experience  goes.  It  may 
have  been  more  common  years  ago  in  certain  localities, 
and  there  may  be  others  it  occasionally  visits  at  the  pres- 
ent time,  but  I  regard  it  as  a  scarce  bird  in  the  Eastern 
States. 

Hutchins'  Goose  is  known  to  sportsmen  and  baymen 
under  various  names,  many  of  which  are  bestowed  on 
account  of  its  small  size.  Some  of  these  are,  Lesser 
Canada  Goose,  Small  Gray  Goose,  Little  Wild  Goose, 
etc.  It  is  also  known  as  Bay  Goose,  Prairie  Goose,  Mud 
Goose,  and  Eskimo  Goose  in  the  far  North;  Winter 
Goose,  Flight  Goose,  and  Goose  Brant.  The  specimens 
of  this  bird  vary  somewhat  in  their  measurements,  but 
the  largest  of  them  is  only  a  miniature  representation  of 
the  Canada  Goose.  The  flesh  of  this  species  is  excellent, 
and  when  the  bird  has  become  fat,  feeding  upon  the  ten- 
der grasses  and  water  plants,  it  is  a  most  desirable  ad- 
dition to  a  menu.  The  eggs  are  pure  white  in  color,  and 
of  an  oval  form.  Among  the  Aleutians  this  bird  is  called 
the  Tundrina  Goose. 

BRA  NT  A    CANADENSIS  HUTCHINSII. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Western  North  America  from 
the  Arctic  Sea,  through  the  United  States  from  the  Valley  of  the 
Mississippi  to  the  Pacific,  and  south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Rare 


HUTCHINS'    GOOSE.  71 

on  the  Atlantic  coast.     Breeds  on  islands  and  along  the  shores 
of  the  Arctic  Ocean  and  on  the  islands  of  the  Aleutian  chain. 

Adult. — A  small  edition  of  the  common  \Vildor  Canada  Goose, 
this  bird  is  almost  precisely  similar  in  the  color  of  its  plumage, 
but  is  less  in  all  its  dimensions  and  has  only  from  fourteen  to 
sixteen  tail  feathers.  The  under  parts  are  light  brownish  gray, 
gradually  fading  into  the  white  of  the  anal  region.  The  chin  is 
black,  but  sometimes  there  is  a  white  spot  at  the  base  of  the 
mandible  beneath.  Like  all  the  species  of  Geese  the  measure- 
ments vary  considerably  among  individuals,  but  the  largest 
Hutchins  will  rarely,  if  ever,  equal  in  size  the  smallest  Canada 
Goose.  The  number  of  tail  feathers,  however,  will  always 
serve  to  distinguish  the  t\vo  species.  Total  length  will  average 
about  30  inches;  wing,  about  i6i;  tail,  5;  tarsus,  af;  and  bill 
along  culmen,  \\.  Tail  feathers,  14-16. 


WHITE-CHEEKED  GOOSE. 

'"PHIS  is  purely  a  western  bird,  ranging  from  Sitka,  in 
Alaska,  along  the  Pacific  coast  to  California  in  winter. 
It  resembles  very  closely  the  Canada  Goose,  but  the  gen- 
eral plumage  is  perhaps  a  little  browner  than  that  of  the 
commoner  form;  the  white  throat  patches  are  separated 
in  some  examples,  by  a  black  stripe,  and  a  white  collar  is 
around  the  lower  part  of  the  neck.  This  collar  seems 
only  to  be  possessed  by  birds  in  the  fall  and  winter, 
gradually  disappearing  in  spring,  and  becoming  obso- 
lete in  summer.  The  habits  of  this  subspecies  do  not 
differ  from  those  of  the  Canada  Goose,  but  its  range  is 
much  more  restricted.  It  does  not  appear  to  go  north 
of  Sitka,  in  Alaska,  and  was  not  seen  around  the  Delta 
of  the  Yukon  or  vicinity  of  St.  Michael's  by  any  of  the 
naturalists  who  have  visited  those  districts.  It  is  not  im- 
probable that  this  form  is  often  found  associating  with 
flocks  of  the  Canada  Goose,  and  individuals  may  have 
been  killed  in  various  parts  of  our  country,  but  as  it 
would  require  an  expert  to  distinguish  them  from  the 
well-known  species,  and  even  if  the  white  neck  ring  was 
noticed,  it  would  probably  be  deemed  an  accidental 
occurrence  and  of  no  consequence,  few  instances  of  its 
appearance  have  been  reported  away  from  its  usual  line 
of  migration.  At  St.  Michael's  Island  this  bird  is  called 
by  the  Russians  the  Lidenna  Goose,  the  name  given  to 
the  Emperor  Goose  on  the  Aleutian  Islands. 


WHITE-CHEEKED   GOOSE.  73 


BRANTA   CANADENSIS  OCCIDENTALS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — From  Sitka,  Alaska,  along  the 
Pacific  coast  to  California. 

Adult. — Head  and  neck,  black,  the  former  having  a  large 
white  patch  covering  sides  of  head  and  throat,  sometimes  sep- 
arated by  a  black  line  on  the  throat,  and  extending  upward  to 
above  and  behind  the  eye.  Chin,  black.  At  the  base  of  the 
black  neck  is  a  more  or  less  distinct  white  collar.  Back  and 
wings,  brown,  lighter  than  in  B.  canadensis,  with  a  grayish 
tinge,  each  feather  tipped  with  white  or  brownish  white.  Pri- 
maries, black.  Rump,  black.  Underparts,  dark  brownish  gray, 
ending  abruptly  at  the  anal  region,  which,  together  with  the 
upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  is  white.  Tail,  black.  Bill  and 
feet,  black.  Tail  feathers,  18-20.  Total  length,  33-36  inches; 
wing,  16^-18;  tail,  about  6;  tarsus,  2^;  culmen,  i^j. 


CACKLING  GOOSE. 

A  MONG  the  Geese  that  frequent  the  Territory  of 
Alaska  during  summer  this  species  is  the  most 
abundant,  breeding  in  great  numbers  from  Point  Barrow 
on  the  Arctic  Ocean  all  along  the  coast  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Yukon,  and  up  the  rivers  into  the  interior;  and  also 
in  the  Aleutian  Islands  as  far  to  the  eastward,  accord- 
ing to  Turner,  as  Unalaska  Island,  beyond  which  it  does 
not  go.  In  winter  it  comes  south  to  California,  where 
it  is  abundant,  and  sometimes  reaches  the  Mississippi 
Valley,  having  been  taken  as  far  to  the  eastward  as 
Wisconsin. 

It  commences  to  appear  in  its  northern  breeding 
grounds  toward  the  latter  part  of  April,  and  the  birds 
have  usually  all  arrived  by  the  middle  of  May.  It  is  a 
great  event  not  only  for  the  Geese  themselves,  but  also 
for  the  natives  of  the  region,  who  have  been  living  for 
many  weary  months  on  a  diet  of  fish,  and  who  welcome 
the  opportunity  to  vary  their  monotonous  bill  of  fare  with 
the  more  generous  article  of  flesh.  Many  birds  are 
mated,  Nelson  says,  when  they  arrive,  but  the  males 
who  have  not  yet  succeeded  in  obtaining  wives  fight  hard 
for  the  possession  of  the  females.  Nelson's  description 
of  these  encounters  is  somewhat  as  follows.  The  females, 
keeping  by  themselves  on  the  muddy  banks  of  the  river, 
a  favorite  resort,  cloze  away  the  hours,  or  dabble  in  the 
mud.  The  males  scatter  about  and  are  very  uneasy, 
moving  incessantly  from  place  to  place,  and  uttering  loud 
cries.  Occasionally  two  of  these  belligerently  inclined 


CACKLIXG   GOOSE.  75 

birds  will  cross  each  other's  path,  when,  uttering  notes 
resembling  low  growling  or  grunting,  each  seizes  the 
other's  bill,  and  with  wings  hanging  loosely  by  their 
sides,  haul  and  twist  one  another,  until  suddenly  coming 
close  together,  each  strives  to  beat  his  rival  with  the 
wings,  striking  with  so  much  force  that  the  sound  of  the 
blows  can  be  heard  a  long  distance  away.  Not  much 
damage  is  done,  however,  in  these  encounters,  for  the 
strokes  are  usually  warded  by  the  wing  of  the  other  bird, 
and  the  conflict  terminates  by  the  weaker  breaking  away 
from  his  antagonist  and  running  off. 

Mating  having  been  at  length  accomplished,  a  spot 
for  the  nest  is  selected,  generally  a  depression  in  a 
bunch  of  grass,  or  on  a  knoll,  and  this  is  lined 
with  grasses  or  feathers  plucked  gradually  from 
the  female's  breast,  until  the  eggs  are  hidden  in 
a  bed  of  down.  The  number  of  these  varies  from 
seven  to  thirteen,  and  they  are  at  first  pure  white, 
but  after  lying  in  the  nest  a  while,  become  soiled  and 
dingy.  If  anyone  approaches  the  female  when  on  the 
nest,  she  crouches  down  in  as  flat  a  position  as  possible, 
and  when  she  deems  it  no  longer  prudent  to  remain 
skulks  away  through  the  grass,  making  no  sound  until 
she  considers  herself  at  a  safe  distance.  In  the  latter 
half  of  June  and  the  beginning  of  July  the  young  appear, 
and  are  cared  for  by  both  parents  until  able  to  fly,  which 
is  toward  the  end  of  August.  At  this  time  the  old  birds 
moult.  They  now  scatter  over  the  country,  feeding  upon 
the  different  kinds  of  berries  which  are  ripened  through- 
out the  land.  On  the  Aleutian  Islands,  these  Geese 
breed  by  thousands  in  the  marshes  and  lagoons.  On 
some  of  the  Islands  various  species  of  foxes  abound,  and 
the  Geese  are  compelled  to  rear  their  young  on  the  islets 
near  by,  or  on  others  in  lakes,  where  they  cannot  be 


76  WATER  FOWL. 

molested  by  their  keen-witted  foes.  The  female  Cack- 
ling Goose  is  a  persistent  sitter,  and  will  give  up  her  life 
rather  than  desert  her  nest.  Turner  relates  a  circum- 
stance which  demonstrates  this  in  the  strongest  manner. 
In  the  Islands  of  Agattu  and  Semiche,  in  the  Aleutian 
chain,  during  the  period  of  incubation,  there  occurred, 
in  the  latter  part  of  June,  a  heavy  snowstorm  that  cov- 
ered the  ground  to  the  depth  of  three  feet.  The  geese 
would  not  quit  their  nests  and  were  suffocated,  and  the 
natives  found  scores  of  birds  after  the  snow  had  melted, 
dead  at  the  post  of  honor.  The  natives  of  Alaska  capture 
many  of  the  goslings  of  this  species,  and  rear  them,  when 
they  become  very  tame.  When  the  weather  is  very  severe 
in  winter  they  require  to  be  fed,  but  they  also  find  a 
supply  of  food  in  a  rather  curious  way.  The  roofs  of  the 
houses  are  covered  with  sod,  and  the  heat  of  the  dwell- 
ings causes  the  tender  grass  constantly  to  spring  up,  and 
the  Geese  are  always  on  the  housetops  searching  for 
these  sprouts.  The  call  of  this  Goose  is  a  low  Honk,  or 
a  rapidly  repeated  note  like  Liick,  luck.  A  great  number 
of  these  birds  are  killed  during  their  stay  in  the  North  by 
all  manner  of  devices,  and  are  salted  for  winter  use,  the 
state  of  freshness  of  the  meat  at  the  time  of  packing  be- 
ing a  matter  of  no  consequence  whatever,  so  long  as  it 
is  Goose.  Many  are  shot,  others  are  caught  in  nets,  and 
not  a  few  are  brought  down  by  three  or  more  stones  fast- 
ened to  thongs  having  their  opposite  ends  tied  together, 
and  which  revolve  on  being  hurled  into  the  air,  and  tangle 
up  one  or  more  birds  in  a  flock  flying  low  overhead. 

This  Goose  begins  to  leave  on  its  southern  migra- 
tion in  October  or  beginning  of  November,  according  to 
the  season  or  locality  it  is  in.  They  are  good  judges  of 
the  weather  and  usually  start  before  a  storm.  At  times 
these  birds  arrive  in  California  in  October  and  remain 


CACKLIXG  GOOSE.  77 

until  the  following  April.     This  species  is  the  smallest  of 
all  the  Geese,  save  Ross's,  which  enter  the  United  States. 

BRANT  A  CANADENSIS  MINIMA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Alaska;  south  in  winter  to  Cali- 
fornia, and  eastward  occasionally  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  to 
Wisconsin.  Breeds  in  Alaska,  and  the  Aleutian  Islands  as  far 
west  as  Unalaska. 

Adult. — This  species  is  a  small  representative  of  B.  c.  occiden- 
talis,  and  bears  the  same  relationship  to  it  as  B.  c.  hutchinsii 
does  to  B.  canadensis.  The  white  patch  on  the  head  is  rather 
differently  shaped,  and  does  not  seem  to  go  so  far  above  the  eye 
as  in  B.  c.  occidentalis;  but  this  may  vary  in  individuals,  as 
undoubtedly  does  the  amount  of  black  on  the  throat.  The  main 
distinctions  from  the  White-cheeked  Goose,  however,  are  size 
and  the  number  of  tail  feathers,  which  in  this  species  amount  to 
from  fourteen  to  sixteen,  the  same  as  in  B.  c.  hutchinsii,  but  there 
are  other  and  sufficient  differences  between  the  last  species  and 
B.  c.  minima  which  easily  distinguish  them  from  each  other:  such 
as  the  distinctive  shade  of  coloration  on  the  under  parts,  and  its 
abrupt  or  gradual  meeting  with  the  white  anal  region.  Some- 
times examples  of  this  species  are  strongly  suffused  beneath 
with  rust  color.  Bill,  legs,  and  feet,  black.  Total  length,  about 
24  inches;  wing,  average,  13!;  tail,  about  5^;  tarsus,  2|;  culmen, 
about  1-j1^;  tail  feathers,  14-16. 


BARNACLE    GOOSE. 

'"PHIS  handsome  Goose  is  a  native  of  the  northern  por- 
tions of  the  Old  World,  and  can  only  be  regarded  as  a 
straggler  into  North  America,  and  it  is  a  doubtful  question 
whether  most  of  the  examples  that  have  been  killed  within 
our  limits  had  not  escaped  from  confinement,  rather  than 
were  bona  fide  immigrants  to  our  shores.  The  first  one 
procured  was  at  Rupert  House,  on  the  southern  end  of 
Hudson  Bay,  and  was  obtained  by  Mr.  B.  R.  Ross.  This 
was  undoubtedly  a  straggler  from  Greenland,  the  south- 
ern end  of  which  this  species  regularly  visits.  It  has  also 
been  obtained  in  Nova  Scotia  and  in  Currituck  Sound, 
North  Carolina,  that  former  paradise  for  Water  Fowl. 
Long  Island,  also  at  one  time  a  famous  resort  for  all 
kinds  of  game,  has  yielded  up  one  specimen.  It  would 
be  difficult  to  name  any  species  of  bird  that  had  ever 
visited  the  Atlantic  seaboard  an  example  of  which  had  not 
at  some  time  been  procured  on  Long  Island.  This  Goose 
is  very  abundant  in  various  parts  of  the  Old  World, 
and  resembles  in  its  habits  those  of  the  Brant  Geese  of 
our  own  land.  It  feeds  on  grasses  and*  plants,  and  can 
be  readily  domesticated  and  becomes  as  tame  as  the  ordi- 
nary farmyard  Goose.  It  is  supposed  to  breed  in  Siberia, 
on  the  Tundras  or  barren  grounds,  and  on  the  shores  of 
the  White  Sea.  It  visits  the  Faroe  Islands,  Iceland,  and 
Spitzbergen,  and  in  its  migrations  is  also  found  in  the 
British  Islands  and  many  parts  of  the  Continent. 

It  is  a  handsomer  bird  than  the  other  allied  species  of 
Geese,  and  is  about  the  size  of  the  Brant.     This  species 


BARNACLE   GOOSE.  79 

passes  much  of  its  time  on  land,  feeding  on  grass  and 
roots,  and  it  keeps  up  a  constant  gabbling  both  when 
occupied  in  feeding  and  also  when  on  the  wing,  and  is 
altogether  a  noisy  bird.  The  eggs  are  said  to  be  a  uni- 
form yellowish  cream  color.  As  is  the  case  with  our 
own  Brant  Geese,  little  is  known  about  this  bird's  breed- 
ing habits  or  the  localities  it  frequents  at  that  season. 
It  is  called,  sometimes,  Bar  Goose. 

BRANT  A  LEUCOPSIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  parts  of  Eastern  Hem- 
isphere. Accidental  in  eastern  North  America. 

Adult. — Head,  nearly  white;  the  lores,  occiput,  neck,  and 
breast,  black.  Wings  and  back,  bluish  gray,  feathers,  with  sub- 
terminal  black  bar,  followed  by  one  of  white.  Feathers  of  flanks, 
brownish  gray,  with  white  tips.  Under  parts,  grayish  white. 
Bill  and  feet,  black.  Iris,  dark  brown.  Average  total  length, 
25  inches;  wing,  15;  tarsus,  2j;  culmen,  i£. 

Young.— Cheek  patch  spotted  with  black.  Feathers  of  back 
tipped  with  rufous,  and  wing  coverts  tinged  with  the  same. 
Flanks  barred  with  gray. 


BRANT  GOOSE. 

/~pHIS  well-known  bird  is  a  native  of  the  northern  por- 
tions of  both  hemispheres,  but  in  North  America  is 
found  chiefly  upon  the  eastern  coast,  and  is  rare  in  the  in- 
terior, although  at  times  it  is  met  with  in  the  Mississippi 
Valley.  It  is  a  bird  of  the  salt  water,  and  keeps  to  the 
sea,  either  on  it,  or  near  the  inner  side  of  the  beach  on  the 
sounds  and  bays  having  an  outlet  to  the  ocean.  It  is 
not  found  on  the  Pacific  coast,  where  it  is  replaced  by  the 
Black  Brant,  the  succeeding  species.  The  Brant  breeds 
probably  nearer  the  Pole  than  almost  any  other  bird,  its 
nest  having  been  found  in  the  most  northern  land  yet 
visited  by  man.  Captain  Fielden  found  the  first  nest 
and  eggs  in  latitude  82°  33'  N.,  and  afterward  many  more 
in  the  vicinity.  This  Goose  passes  Hudson  Bay  in  the 
spring  and  autumn  in  immense  numbers,  but  makes  no 
stop  and  is  not  seen  in  the  interior,  keeping  always  near 
the  coast.  The  nests,  which  are  mainly  composed  of 
down  or  feathers,  are  placed  upon  the  beach  near  the 
water,  but  in  Greenland,  in  Bellot's  Straits,  they  are 
built  in  the  cliffs  which  line  the  sides  of  this  passage, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Walker,  who  saw  this 
species  in  that  place.  The  eggs  are  grayish  white. 
During  incubation  the  Gander  remains  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  nest,  and  when  the  young  are  hatched  the  parents 
conduct  them  to  the  lakes  or  open  water  near  shore. 
The  adults  moult  by  the  end  of  July.  Brant  make  their 
appearance  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States  in 
so 


BRANT  GOOSE.  81 

October,  arriving  in  large  flocks  and  congregating  in 
chosen  localities,  sometimes  in  immense  numbers.  They 
fly  in  compact  masses  in  a  desultory  sort  of  way,  not 
very  rapidly  nor  under  any  especial  leader,  and  when  in 
winter  quarters  rarely  move  far  in  any  direction,  and 
often  return  to  the  place  from  which  they  started.  It  has 
a  peculiar  guttural  note,  which  is  frequently  uttered,  re- 
sembling car-r-r-rup,  or  r-r-r-rouk,  or  r-r-rup,  and  with 
a  rolling  intonation,  and,  when  a  large  number  of  these 
birds  are  gathered  together,  the  noise  they  make  is  in- 
cessant and  deafening.  I  have  been  in  the  vicinity  of  a 
bar  on  which  were  congregated  many  thousands  of 
Brant,  and  their  voices  made  such  a  din  that  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  hear  one's  own  in  speaking,  and  when  they  rose 
at  the  report  of  a  gun,  the  sound  of  their  myriad  wings 
was  as  the  roar  of  rushing  waters. 

This  Goose  is  usually  very  gentle,  and  when  not  much 
hunted  pays  little  attention  to  man's  presence.  The 
birds  come  readily  to  decoys  and  are  easily  turned  from 
their  course  by  imitating  their  note,  or  by  raising  one 
leg  or  a  hat  in  the  air.  As  soon  as  their  attention  is 
attracted  they  swing  around,  and  come  to  the  decoys  o.n 
motionless  wings,  in  irregular,  broken  lines,  uttering 
their  rolling  note,  and  if  permitted,  will  settle  down 
among  their  wooden  counterfeits  and  commence  to  feed. 
I  have  known  them  try  to  alight  upon  the  wings  of  my 
battery  when  I  was  in  it,  and  the  attending  boat  close  by 
with  sail  up.  They  are  easily  killed,  not  nearly  so  tena- 
cious of  life  as  many  Water  Fowl,  and,  as  they  cannot 
dive,  a  wounded  Brant  is  readily  retrieved.  It  will  skulk 
like  other  Geese  with  head  and  neck  flat  upon  the  water, 
and  paddle  away  with  all  its  might  dead  to  windward, 
but  it  does  not  go  very  fast,  and,  if  seen,  is  soon  over- 
taken. 


82  WATER  FOWL. 

Brant  are  fond  of  sand,  and  it  seems  to  be  a  necessity 
to  them.  Every  few  days  the  birds  will  resort  to  the  bars 
in  the  sounds,  or  to  the  beach,  and  are  often  seen  in  such 
places  standing  in  long  lines  or  dense  masses,  dressing 
their  feathers,  or  else  sitting  on  the  sand.  When  flying 
they  keep  over  the  open  water,  avoiding  the  land  when- 
ever possible,  so  that  there  is  not  often  an  opportunity 
given  to  shoot  them  from  outlying  points,  or  from 
a  narrow  strip  between  two  bodies  of  water.  As 
I  have  said,  Brant  do  not  dive,  but  feed  in  the 
manner  of  other  Wild  Geese,  by  tilting  up  the 
hinder  part  of  the  body  and  pulling  up  the  grasses 
and  roots  from  the  bottom.  Its  food  is  the  eel  grass 
mainly,  and  although  at  times  its  flesh  has  a  rather 
strong  flavor,  yet  as  a  rule,  especially  in  spring,  it  is  an 
excellent  bird  for  the  table,  and  a  young  one  is  consid- 
ered a  delicacy.  In  calm  weather  Brant  do  not  move 
about  much,  but  gather  in  companies  on  the  open  water 
and  feed,  preen  their  feathers,  or  sleep,  but  before  or 
after  a  storm  they  are  uneasy,  and  generally  in  motion, 
flying  apparently  without  any  very  definite  purpose. 
But  if  the  coming  storm  is  likely  to  be  severe,  then  they 
are  seen  flying,  flock  after  flock,  to  some  chosen  place 
where  they  will  be  sheltered  from  the  blast.  In  those 
situations  at  such  times,  the  water  is  often  black  with 
the  birds  seeking  a  refuge. 

Brant  do  not  seem  to  be  as  plentiful  in  our  eastern 
waters  as  formerly,  constant  warfare  against  them 
having  greatly  depleted  their  numbers,  and  in  many 
places  where  they  were  once  numerous  they  are  now 
seen  only  in  small  bodies,  or  are  absent  altogether.  This 
species  has  not  many  names,  being  almost  universally 
known  by  the  one  at  the  head  of  this  article,  but  some- 
times it  is  called  Brent,  or  Brent  or  Brant  Goose,  and  also 


BRANT  GOOSE.  83 

incorrectly  Black  Brant,  which,  however,  is  quite  a 
different  bird.  In  Spitzbergen,  where  it  breeds,  it  goes 
by  the  name  of  "  Ring-gaas,"  i.  e.,  "  Ring  Goose." 

BRANT  A  BERN  1C  LA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portion  of  both  hem- 
ispheres. In  North  America  mainly  on  the  Atlantic  coast; 
rare  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi. 

Adult. — Head,  neck,  breast,  and  back  at  base  of  neck,  black; 
a  patch  of  white,  in  streaks,  on  either  side  of  the  neck.  Upper 
parts,  brownish  gray,  the  feathers  tipped  narrowly  with  pale 
brown  or  grayish  white.  Under  parts,  grayish  white,  graduating 
into  pure  white  about  and  under  the  tail.  Middle  of  rump, 
brownish  black.  Upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  pure  white. 
Tail,  black.  Primaries  and  secondaries,  brownish  black.  Bill, 
legs,  and  feet,  black.  Iris,  brown.  Total  length,  24-30  inches; 
wing,  13;  tarsus,  2T%;  culmen,  to  end  of  nail,  i|. 

Young. — Similar  to  the  adult,  but  with  conspicuous  white  bars 
across  the  wings,  formed  by  the  tips  of  the  coverts  and  second- 
aries. The  white  patch  on  neck  is  absent,  and  the  under  parts 
are  uniformly  lighter. 


BLACK  BRANT. 

'IPHE  Black  Brant  represents  the  common  species  of 
the  Atlantic  shores  on  the  Pacific  coast,  where  it  is  no 
less  abundant,  and  ranges  from  Alaska  to  California.  It 
breeds  on  the  shores  of  Alaska  lying  along  the  Arctic 
Ocean,  about  the  mouth  of  the  Anderson  River,  and  west- 
ward possibly  to  the  vicinity  of  Point  Barrow.  Numbers 
go  still  farther  north,  but  where  no  man  can  tell;  possibly 
to  some  unknown  land  amid  the  dreary  expanse  of  the 
frozen  Polar  Ocean,  which  no  human  being  has  ever 
yet  seen.  These  birds  have  been  noticed  in  the  autumn 
coming  over  the  ice  from  the  north  to  Point  Barrow, 
which  would  make  it  fair  to  suppose  that  there  was  some 
unknown  spot  beyond  the  frozen  barrier  that  was  favora- 
ble for  nesting  and  rearing  the  young,  and  other  flocks  of 
this  Goose  have  been  seen  flying  from  the  north  to  the 
eastward  of  Wrangel  Land,  and  steering  for  the  Alaskan 
coast,  several  hundred  miles  to  the  south. 

The  Black  Brant  is  among  the  last  of  the  migrants  to 
arrive  in  Alaska  in  the  spring  from  the  south.  It  reaches 
St.  Michael's  and  the  mouth  of  the  Yukon  toward  the 
latter  part  of  May,  and  it  takes  about  ten  days  or  two 
weeks  for  the  army  of  birds  to  pass,  for  none  remain  to 
breed;  the  goal  they  are  steering  for  lying  still  far  to  the 
northward.  It  flies  rapidly  with  quick,  short  strokes 
of  the  wings,  not  unlike  those  made  by  its  eastern  rela- 
tive, and  the  flock,  no  matter  what  may  be  its  size,  is 
strung  out  in  a  single  line  at  right  angles  to  its  course. 
Constantly  waving,  undulating  movements  run  along  the 
entire  length  of  the  line;  commencing  at  either  end,  or 


BLACK  BRANT.  85 

from  the  middle,  and  going  in  opposite  directions; 
caused  by  individual  birds  changing  the  level  of  their 
flight,  and  at  a  distance  giving  the  impression  of  a  shiver 
passing  through  the  mass.  This  frequent  graceful 
movement  is  very  attractive  to  watch,  and  one  keeps  his 
eyes  fixed  on  the  birds,  wondering  where  the  next  wave 
is  going  to  begin.  The  same  action  occurs  in  the  flight 
of  certain  species  of  Ducks.  As  a  rule  the  Black  Brant 
flies  low.  I  think  this  is  characteristic  of  the  two  species, 
and  whi*  ^he  birds  often  change  their  altitude  as  they 
speed  along,  now  just  over  the  water,  and  again  at  no 
very  great  distance  above  it,  they  never  rise  to  any  great 
height.  When  flying,  they  keep  to  the  coast  line,  fol- 
lowing it  in  all  its  sinuosity,  rarely  passing  over  any 
part  of  the  land,  or  else  performing  their  migrations  far 
out  to  sea.  In  the  spring  they  are  most  abundant  along 
the  western  Alaskan  coast,  but  the  birds  are  scarce  in  the 
autumn  and  must  pass  on  their  southward  journey  over 
the  ocean  out  of  sight  of  land. 

Mr.  MacFarlane,  who  found  the  nest  and  eggs  of  this 
species  in  Liverpool  and  Franklin  bays,  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Anderson  River,  and  at  various  points  along  the 
shores  of  the  Arctic  Sea,  says  it  was  merely  a  depression 
in  the  ground,  lined  with  a  quantity  of  down.  The  num- 
ber of  eggs,  which  were  a  dull  ivory,  or  grayish  white 
color,  was  from  five  to  seven,  six  being  the  usual  com- 
plement. Some  of  these  nests  were  placed  on  small 
islands  in  fresh-water  ponds,  and  others  on  the  shore  or 
on  islands  in  the  two  bays  above  mentioned.  Some  few 
individuals  are  said  to  breed  on  the  shores  of  Norton 
Sound,  in  the  marshes  with  Hutchins'  Goose,  but  the 
great  bulk  of  the  migratory  hosts  pass  on  farther  north. 
The  Black  Brant  is  a  rare  straggler  to  the  Atlantic  coast, 
and  only  a  few  individuals  have  ever  been  killed  there. 


86  WATER  FOWL. 

It  has  occasionally  been  observed  in  the  Mississippi 
Valley,  and  there  is,  I  believe,  a  record  of  a  specimen  hav- 
ing been  taken  in  Texas,  but  its  occurrence  east  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains  is  extremely  rare.  It  is  common,  how- 
ever, along  the  west  coast  from  Alaska  southward  in  win- 
ter and  generally  keeps  in  the  bays,  or  on  the  ocean  a 
little  distance  from  shore.  It  does  not  associate  with  other 
Geese  to  any  extent,  and  does  not  go  inland.  The  flesh  of 
this  Goose  is  tender  and  good,  very  similar  to  that  of  the 
eastern  species,  which  it  somewhat  resembles  in  appear- 
ance. It  feeds  on  marine  grasses,  and  at  times  on  small 
fish  and  Crustacea.  Beside  the  name  of  Black  Brant  by 
which  it  is  commonly  known,  this  bird  is  called  on  the 
Yukon,  as  stated  by  Kennicott,  the  Eskimo  Goose. 

BRANTA   NIGR1CANS. 

Geographical  Distribution.—  Western  North  America,  from 
the  Arctic  Ocean,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Anderson  River,  along  the 
Alaskan  coast.  South  in  winter  to  Lower  California. 

Adult. — Head,  neck,  and  upper  part  of  breast,  deep  black;  a 
broad  white  collar  interrupted  behind,  on  the  middle  of  neck. 
Upper  parts  and  wings,  dark  brown,  nearly  black  on  seconda- 
ries, primaries,  and  rump.  Breast  and  abdomen,  blackish 
plumbeous,  almost  as  dark  as  the  upper  part  of  breast.  Crissum, 
sides  of  rump,  upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  pure  white.  Tail, 
black.  Bill  and  feet,  black.  Total  length,  about  25  inches; 
wing,  12^;  culmen,  IT%;  tarsus,  2^5. 


WOOD   DUCK. 

f~\F  all  the  members  of  the  Duck  tribe  scattered 
throughout  the  world,  the  present  species  is  easily 
the  most  beautiful.  The  Mandarin  Duck  of  China 
MX  galericulata),  has  a  more  bizarre  appearance  and  is 
provided  with  curiously  shaped  feathers  of  various  hues, 
and  has  altogether  a  most  singular  and  unusual  dress; 
but,  though  it  may  truly  be  considered  a  handsome  bird, 
it  cannot  compete  with  this  beautiful  species,  robed  in  a 
costume  of  harmonious  colors  so  chaste  and  attractive 
as  to  find  its  most  fitting  expression  in  the  name  the 
bird  possesses — the  Bride  of  the  Anatidae. 

The  Wood  Duck,  Wood  Widgeon,  Branchier  and 
Squealer,  or  Acorn  Duck,  as  it  is  called  in  Louisiana, 
ranges  throughout  North  America  from  Hudson  Bay  to 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  breeds  pretty  much  throughout 
its  dispersion.  It  is  a  fresh-water  bird,  frequenting  the 
lakes  and  rivers,  often,  also,  resorting  to  swamps.  On 
the  seacoast,  such  as  that  of  North  Carolina,  where,  in 
Currituck  Sound,  the  brackish  waters  and  inexhaustible 
feed  constitute  a  very  paradise  for  Wild  Fowl,  the  Wood 
Duck  lives  in  the  marshes,  breeding  on  the  mainland 
near  at  hand.  It  is  one  of  the  earliest  of  the  water  birds 
to  start  on  its  southern  migration  from  the  northern 
part  of  its  habitat,  leaving  before  the  Blue-winged 
Teal,  and  often  does  not  wait  for  the  weather  to  become 
frosty,  so  anxious  does  it  seem  to  be  to  get  away 
from  even  the  suspicion  of  winter. 

The  Summer  Duck,  as  it  is  sometimes  very  appro- 
priately called,  breeds  in  hollow  trees,  and  I  have  met 
87 


88  WATER  FOWL. 

with  no  instance  when  a  nest  was  placed  upon  the 
ground.  It  will  occupy  the  nest  of  some  other  bird 
in  a  hollow  trunk,  or  will  adapt  some  new-found 
cavity  to  suit  its  needs.  It  is  astonishing  to  see  how 
small  a  hole  this  duck  can  enter,  and  sometimes  it  ap- 
proaches the  opening  to  its  nest,  that  appears  not  large 
enough  to  admit  half  the  diameter  of  its  body,  but  will 
pass  in  without  difficulty.  Usually  the  tree  selected  for 
the  nest  is  close  to  the  water,  often  overhanging  it,  but 
occasionally  it  may  be  a  number  of  yards  away.  No 
matter  how  near  the  trees  may  grow  together,  or  how 
thick  may  be  the  interlacing  branches,  the  Wood  Duck 
threads  its  way  amid  them  with  an  ease  and  swiftness 
equaled  only  by  a  Wild  Pigeon,  and  its  flight  is  executed 
almost  with  the  silence  of  an  owl's  in  similar  situations. 
This  Duck  appears  to  become  much  attached  to  its  breed- 
ing place,  and  will  occupy  the  same  nest  for  successive 
years  if  it  is  lucky  enough  to  escape  the  manifold  dan- 
gers to  which  it  is  subjected.  The  nest  is  composed  of 
grass,  plants,  and  similar  dried  material,  and  is  lined 
with  down  and  feathers,  mostly  taken  from  the  female's 
breast.  A  dozen  or  more  white  eggs,  which  soon  be- 
come soiled,  are  laid,  and  then  the  male  deserts  his 
mate,  and  hies  away  to  the  society  of  other  idle  fellows 
like  himself.  The  young,  when  hatched,  are  carried 
down  to  the  water,  one  at  a  time,  by  the  mother,  in 
her  bill,  provided  the  distance  is  considerable,  otherwise 
the  little  creatures  scramble  to  the  mouth  of  the  cavity, 
and  fearlessly  drop  themselves  down  into  an  element 
which  they  have  never  seen,  but  which  their  inherited  in- 
stinct tells  the'm  is  to  be  their  future  home.  Whenever 
the  female  leaves  the  nest  during  incubation  she  always 
covers  the  eggs  with  the  down  and  feathers  so  as  to  com- 
pletely hide  them,  and  thus  insures  a  continuance  of  the 


WOOD  DUCK.  89 

warmth  of  which  they  are  deprived  by  her  absence.  The 
young,  when  following  the  female,  either  upon  land  or 
water,  continually  utter  a  soft,  low  Pee-pee,  a  sort  of  pro- 
longation of  a  chick's  cry,  and  the  mother  answers  with 
an  equally  gentle  Pee-pee,  something  of  the  character  of  a 
whistle.  Sometimes  two  ducks  will  take  a  fancy  to  the 
same  nest,  and  much  altercation  then  goes  on,  not  so 
vociferous  though  as  when  the  claimants  happen  to  be 
both  of  different  genera  and  species.  A  Wood  Duck 
and  a  Hooded  Merganser,  as  related  by  Brewer,  con- 
tended for  a  nest,  and  fought  continually  for  several  days, 
and  when  the  nest  was  examined  it  was  found  to  contain 
eighteen  eggs,  all  fresh,  two-thirds  of  which  belonged  to 
the  Wood  Duck.  The  birds  had  been  so  persistent  in 
their  struggles  to  eject  each  other  that  neither  had  been 
able  to  sit. 

This  species  is  easily  domesticated  and  breeds  in  con- 
finement, provided  it  is  afforded  suitable  locations  for 
building  its  nest.  It  has  a  very  gentle  disposition  and 
soon  becomes  tame  and  accustomed  to  new  surroundings. 
It  alights  readily  upon  the  branch  of  a  tree,  and  also 
walks  without  difficulty  upon  the  larger  ones,  and  I  have 
seen  it  alight  upon  the  topmost  rail  of  a  fence  surround- 
ing a  cultivated  field,  upon  which  it  perched  as  comfort- 
ably, and  seemed  as  much  at  home,  as  if  it  had  stopped 
to  rest  upon  the  bosom  of  the  lake  which  was  close  at 
hand.  The  Wood  Duck,  when  moving  over  open  water 
or  marshes,  in  fact  anywhere  except  in  the  woods,  gen- 
erally flies  in  a  direct  line,  seldom  altering  its  course  or 
seeming  to  vacillate  in  its  mind  about  the  proper  route  to 
take.  It  flies  swiftly,  and  when  in  the  air  looks  a  good 
deal  like  the  Widgeon.  It  comes  readily  to  decoys,  and, 
if  permitted,  will  alight  among  them. 

Nothing  in  bird  life  can  be  much  more  beautiful  than  a 


90  WATER  FOWL. 

full-plumaged  male  Wood  Duck,  proudly  swimming 
along,  his  lengthened  crest  slightly  elevated,  and  the  sun 
glancing  upon  the  brilliant  plumage  with  the  metallic 
hues  of  green,  violet,  and  purple  scintillating  in  its  rays. 
It  seems  to  me  that  this  beautiful  bird  has  become 
scarcer  in  the  past  few  years,  and  fewer  return  to  well- 
known  haunts.  The  beauty  of  the  male  makes  him  a 
desirable  specimen  for  collectors,  and  the  flank  feathers 
are  eagerly  sought  by  the  makers  of  artificial  flies,  while 
its  flesh  is  always  acceptable  to  the  gourmands.  Alto- 
gether, with  so  many  suitors  of  various  kinds,  each  de- 
siring the  bird  for  his  own  especial  purpose,  the  Wood 
Duck's  chance  for  becoming  extinct  is  a  very  good  one. 

&X  S PONS  A. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Hudson  Bay  to  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
and  across  the  Continent  within  the  above  limits;  Cuba.  Acci- 
dental in  Europe. 

Adult  Male.— Head,  with  a  full,  lengthened  crest,  almost 
reaching  the  back,  of  green,  purple,  and  violet  metallic  hues. 
A  narrow  white  line  starts  at  the  angle  of  the  maxilla,  passes 
over  the  eye,  and  extends  to  the  end  of  the  crest,  widening 
slightly  as  it  goes.  Another  broader  white  line  commences 
below  and  behind  the  eye,  and  is  continued  along  the  lower  edge 
of  the  crest.  Behind  the  eye,  and  extending  for  some  distance 
above  the  lower  white  line,  is  a  broad  patch  of  metallic  purple. 
Cheeks  and  sides  of  neck,  violaceous  black.  Crest,  silky  in  tex- 
ture of  various  metallic  greens  and  purples.  Throat  and  front  of 
neck,  pure  white,  with  two  falcate  branches;  the  upper  across  the 
back  part  of  cheek,  to  behind  and  nearly  reaching  the  eye;  the 
lower  across  the  neck,  going  upward  and  beneath  the  crest 
almost  to  the  nape.  Back,  dark  brown,  glossed  with  green- 
ish bronze,  the'  lower  back  and  rump  darker  in  hue,  and 
grading  into  black  on  the  upper  tail  coverts.  Lesser  wing 
coverts,  slate  brown,  with  a  greenish  gloss.  Scapulars  and 
tertials,  velvety  black,  with  rich  metallic  blue,  green,  and  purple 
reflections,  and  the  longest  tertial  is  tipped  with  a  white  bar. 


WOOD  DUCK.  91 

Middle  and  greater  wing  coverts,  steel  blue,  with  black  tips. 
Primaries,  slate  color,  changing  to  steel  blue  at  their  exposed 
ends,  and  with  the  terminal  portion  of  the  outer  web,  silvery 
white.  Lower  portion  of  throat  and  breast,  extending  onto  the 
upper  back,  purplish  chestnut,  dotted  in  front  with  inverted 
V-shaped  white  spots,  growing  larger  as  they  reach  the  breast. 
On  sides  of  breast,  above  the  shoulder  of  the  wing,  a  broad 
black  bar,  above  which  is  another  of  white.  Sides  and  flanks, 
fulvous  buff,  crossed  by  fine,  undulating  black  lines,  the  feathers 
on  the  upper  borders  having  at  their  ends  two  crescentic  black 
bars,  inclosing  a  white  one,  the  subterminal  black  bar  being 
edged  also  on  its  upper  side  narrowly  with  white.  Lower  breast 
and  abdomen,  pure  white.  On  each  side  of  the  rump  is  a  patch 
of  metallic  dark  purple.  Some  lengthened  black  upper  tail 
coverts,  with  deep  fulvous  centers,  fall  over  behind  this  purple 
spot.  Under  tail  coverts,  dark  brown,  grading  into  black  at 
tips.  Tail,  black,  with  metallic  green  reflections.  Bill,  deep  pur- 
plish red,  becoming  scarlet  behind  the  nostrils,  with  a  length- 
ened, pointed,  black  spot  on  the  culmen,  and  the  nail  black.  An 
oblong  spot  of  white,  from  nostril  to  the  nail,  and  the  basal  out- 
line, gamboge  yellow.  Legs  and  feet,  chrome  yellow;  webs, 
dusky.  Iris,  orange  red;  eyelids,  vermilion.  Total  length, 
about  1 8  inches;  wing,  9^%;  tail,  4T7ff;  tarsus,  i£;  culmen,  i^j. 

Adult  Female. — Head,  plumbeous  gi'ay.  Front,  and  a  line 
on  side  of  bill  at  base,  space  about  the  eye,  extending  backward 
to  a  point,  chin  and  throat,  pure  white.  Top  of  head  and  crest, 
the  latter  much  shorter  and  thinner  than  the  male's,  glossed  with 
metallic  green.  Back,  rump,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  hair  brown, 
glossed  with  bronze  and  purple.  Wings,  similar  to  those  of  the 
male,  but  the  secondaries  widely  tipped  with  white,  and  the 
speculum,  metallic  bronzy  green,  separated  from  the  white  tips 
by  black.  Breast,  reddish  brown,  spotted  with  buff  or  buffy 
white.  Rest  of  under  parts,  white.  Flanks,  umber  brown,  spot- 
ted with  white.  Tail,  hair  brown,  glossed  with  bronze  green. 
Bill,  dark  lead  color,  space  on  culmen,  and  nail  black.  Legs 
and  feet,  yellowish  brown.  Eyelids,  chrome  yellow.  Iris,  sienna. 
Total  length,  about  17  inches;  wing,  8-fo;  tarsus,  i^,  culmen,  iT8ff. 

Downy  Young. — Top  of  head  and  upper  parts,  dark  brown, 
darkest  on  head  and  tail.  Sides  of  head,  lores,  and  stripe  over 
eye,  bright  buff;  blackish  brown  stripe  from  eye  to  occiput. 
Spots  on  shoulder  of  wing,  and  on  each  side  of  rump,  dull  white. 


BLACK-BELLIED  TREE   DUCK. 

"PHIS  species  and  the  succeeding  one  are  distributed 
through  the  countries  lying  south  of  the  borders  of 
the  -United  States,  and  only  enter  a  few  of  the  South- 
western States  contiguous  to  Mexico.  The  Black-bel- 
lied Tree  Duck  is  not  rare  in  certain  parts  of  Texas  in 
summer,  along  the  lower  Rio  Grande,  where  it  arrives 
from  its  more  southern  home  in  April.  It  is  known 
there  as  the  Long-legged  Duck,  and  in  Louisiana  as  the 
Fiddler  Duck.  When  it  flies  it  has  the  habit  of  uttering 
a  clear  whistling  note  that  indicates  its  presence,  espe- 
cially at  night,  when  most  of  its  migrating  is  accom- 
plished. 

This  species  deposits  its  eggs  in  the  hollows  of  trees, 
often  at  a  considerable  height  from  the  ground,  and 
the  eggs,  from  twelve  to  sixteen  in  number,  ivory 
white  tinged  with  green,  are  laid  upon  the  bare  wood. 
The  males  leave  the  females  when  incubation  com- 
mences and  gather  by  themselves  on  the  river,  frequent- 
ing the  sandbars,  where  they  often  congregate  in  large 
numbers.  When  the  young  appear  they  are  carried  to 
the  water  by  the  mother,  in  her  bill.  In  the  various 
countries  lying  to  the  south  of  our  borders  this  Duck 
visits  the  grain-fields  at  night,  especially  the  corn-fields, 
and  commits  considerable  damage.  It  also  frequents 
the  swamps,  and  feeds  on  the  seeds  of  certain  aquatic 
plants,  of  which  it  is  very  fond.  It  perches  easily  on 
trees  or  on  cornstalks,  and  its  long  legs  enable  it  to  walk 
and  run  with  great  ease  and  rapidity.  It  passes  the  day 


19.     Black-Bellied  Tree  Duck. 


BLACK-BELLIED    TREE  DUCK.  93 

in  the  lagoons  or  other  secluded  waters,  surrounded  with 
woods  or  water  plants,  or  sitting  on  the  branches  of  trees, 
feeding  and  moving  about  mainly  at  night.  It  can  be 
easily  domesticated  if  taken  young  and  is  very  watchful 
and  will  utter  its  shrill  whistle  at  any  unusual  sound,  or 
at  the  approach  of  any  person  on  the  premises.  In  some 
parts  of  Northern  South  America  it  is  known  as  Oui- 
ki-ki,  from  its  peculiar  whistle,  which  is  supposed  to 
resemble  those  syllables,  but  in  Mexico  Pc-che-che-ne,  for 
the  same  reason.  Evidently  it  has  a  separate  whistle 
for  each  country,  or  the  idea  of  sound  possessed  by  the 
people  must  be  very  different.  A  single  specimen  was 
procured  by  Xantus  at  Fort  Tejon,  Southern  California, 
and  this  is  the  sole  evidence  of  its  presence  in  that  State. 
Its  dispersion  seems  to  be  mainly  in  the  countries  border- 
ing on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  from  Texas,  through  Central 
America,  and  so  on  through  the  northern  parts  of  South 
America,  extending  its  range  eastward  to  the  West  In- 
dian Islands.  It  is  a  very  pretty,  gentle  species,  and  the 
flesh,  which  is  white  and  tender,  is  most  excellent,  indeed 
considered  quite  a  delicacy.  This  Duck  is  by  no  means 
shy,  and  when  domesticated  keeps  with  the  barnyard  fowl, 
both  day  and  night.  It  is  a  handsome  bird,  although  its 
long  legs  deprive  it  of  all  attempts  at  a  graceful  carriage. 

DENDROCYGNA   AUTUMNALIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Southwestern  States  nearest  to 
Mexico,  and  southward  through  Mexico,  Central  America,  and 
northern  South  America;  east  to  the  West  Indies. 

Adult  Male. — Forehead,  pale  yellowish  brown;  top  of  head, 
cinnamon;  nape  and  line  down  back  of  neck,  black.  Sides  of 
head  and  upper  part  of  neck,  ash  gray.  Chin  and  throat,  gray- 
ish white.  Rest  of  neck,  upper  portion  of  breast,  back,  and 
scapulars,  cinnamon  brown.  Middle  of  back,  rump,  and  upper 
tail  coverts,  black.  Lesser  wing  coverts,  olive  ochraceous ; 


94  WATER  FOWL. 

middle  coverts,  ash;  greater  and  primary  coverts,  grayish  white. 
The  wing,  when  closed,  shows  a  lengthened  white  or  grayish 
white  line  for  nearly  its  entire  length.  Primaries,  dark  brown. 
Tail,  brownish  black.  Lower  parts  and  sides  of  breast,  yellow- 
ish brown,  the  cinnamon  of  the  upper  portion  grading  into  this 
color.  Abdomen,  flanks,  and  under  wing  coverts,  black;  anal 
region,  white,  spotted  with  black.  Under  tail  coverts,  white. 
Bill,  coral  red;  orange  at  base  of  maxilla.  Nail,  bluish.  Legs 
and  feet,  pinkish  white.  Iris,  brown.  Total  length,  about  19 
inches;  wing,  9%;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  2^. 

Adult  Female. — Resembles  the  male. 

Young. — Similar  to  the  adult,  but  colors  duller.  Abdomen 
and  flanks,  grayish  white,  barred  with  dusky. 

Downy  Young. -^Superciliary  stripe,  and  one  over  cheeks, 
encircling  the  occiput,  bright  buff;  and  one  from  cheeks  to  nape, 
blackish  brown.  Upper  parts,  blackish  brown,  with  patches  of 
deep  buff,  one  on  each  side  of  back,  and  one  on  either  side  of 
rump.  Underneath  pale  buffy  yellow;  belly,  whitish. 


2O.     Fulvous  Tree  Duck. 


FULVOUS  TREE   DUCK. 

\A7TTH  a  much  greater  general  dispersion  than  the 
last  species,  this  Duck  extends  its  range  consider- 
ably farther  north  within  our  limits,  and  has  bred  in  the 
marshes  near  Sacramento,  California,  and  has  also  been 
found  in  Nevada,  Louisiana,  and  Texas.  In  the  latter 
State  it  is  called  the  Rufous  Long-legged  Duck,  and  in 
Louisiana  the  Yellow-bellied  Fiddler  Duck,  and  Long- 
legged  Duck,  and  it  is  abundant  at  times  near  Galveston. 
It  is  a  summer  visitor,  like  its  relative,  and  frequents 
similar  places.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  this 
species  is  not  uncommon  and,  it  has  been  stated,  it  is 
also  abundant  at  the  entrance  of  the  Nueces  River.  The 
Fulvous  Tree  Duck  also  breeds  in  trees,  though  the 
natives  at  Mazatlan  affirm  that  it  nests  amid  the  grass. 
The  eggs  are  pure  white,  and  the  female  lays  from  ten  to 
fifteen.  This  species  resorts  to  fresh-water  ponds  or 
lakes,  feeding  principally  upon  seeds  of  grasses,  and  like 
its  relative  visits  the  corn-fields  at  night  to  obtain  the 
grain.  It  is  not  wild,  and  affords  much  sport  to  the 
hunter,  and  its  flesh  being  as  tender  and  delicate  as  that 
of  the  Black-bellied  Tree  Duck,  it  is  highly  esteemed  as 
an  article  of  food.  When  wounded  it  exhibits  such 
agility,  running  and  dodging  with  so  much  speed,  that 
it  is  very  difficult  to  capture,  and  in  deep  water  it  dives 
and  skulks  with  no  little  skill,  and  generally  effects  its 
escape.  The  plumage  is  not  so  attractive  as  that  of  the 
previous  species,  and  it  is  a  much  plainer  bird. 


96  WATER  FOWL. 


DENDROCYGNA  FULVA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — States  of  Nevada,  California, 
Texas,  and  Louisiana.  Mexico,  southern  Brazil,  and  Argentine 
Republic.  Accidental  in  Missouri  and  North  Carolina. 

Adult  Mate.— Top  of  head,  deep  rufous,  darkest  on  the  nape; 
sides  of  head,  yellowish  brown.  A  ring  of  black  feathers,  with 
white  centers  on  middle  of  neck.  A  black  line  from  occiput 
down  center  of  hind  neck.  Lower  part  of  neck,  dark  yellowish 
brown.  Back  and  scapulars,  black,  broadly  tipped  with  cinna- 
mon, making  these  parts  appear  as  if  barred.  Lesser  wing 
coverts,  chestnut;  rest  of  wing,  black.  Tail,  black;  the  upper 
and  under  coverts,  white.  Throat,  buffy  white.  Upper  part  of 
breast,  yellowish  brown.  Entire  under  parts,  cinnamon.  Flanks, 
with  center  of  feathers,  pale  ochraceous,  bordered  with  dusky. 
Bill,  bluish  black.  Legs  and  feet,  slate  blue.  Iris,  brown. 
Total  length,  about  20  inches;  wing,  8J;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  2. 

Adult  Female. — With  the  plumage  very  like  that  of  the  male. 

Young. — Similar  to  adult,  but  little  or  no  chestnut  color  on 
wing  coverts.  Under  parts,  paler,  and  the  upper  tail  coverts 
margined  with  brown. 

Downy  Young. — A  brown  band  from  the  ears  to  the  hind 
neck,  and  one  down  the  back  of  the  neck.  Occiput  traversed  by 
a  white  band,  and  one  also  across  the  wing.  Upper  parts,  gray- 
ish brown;  under  parts,  white. 


RUDDY   SHELDRAKE. 

I F  it  was  stretching  a  point  to.  admit  the  Smew  among 
North  American  birds,  when  two  females,  it  was 
claimed,  had  been  taken  in  the  flesh  within  our 
boundaries,  what  is  to  be  said  of  this  species' 
application  for  membership  in  our  avi-fauna,  based 
as  it  is  upon  two  statements,  one,  that  Dr.  Van- 
hoffen,  a  member  of  an  expedition  to  West  Green- 
land sent  by  the  Geographical  Society  of  Berlin, 
reported  that  he  saw  a  skin  of  this  species  in  a 
collection  of  birds  at  Augpalartok  in  the  District  of 
Uppernavik,  that  was  collected  in  that  vicinity  in  1892; 
and  the  other  that,  in  1895,  Wenge  of  Copenhagen  re- 
ports another  specimen  from  North  Greenland?  These 
are  the  solitary  instances  of  this  bird's  occurrence  any- 
where within  what  may  be  termed  the  limits  of  North 
America,  which  have  been  recorded.  Doubtless  Old- 
World  species  that  breed  in  very  high  latitudes  some- 
times on  the  return  journey  go  slightly  astray  from  their 
regular  course,  and  touch,  possibly  for  a  few  brief  mo- 
ments, on  some  parts  of  boreal  North  America,  and  many 
more  species  probably  do  this  than  we  shall  ever  know, 
but  it  is  only  to  record  an  historical  fact  that  any  notice 
of  these  waifs  and  strays  is  taken  at  all,  and  they  can  in 
no  way  be  considered  as  American  birds. 

This  Duck  is  not,  strictly  speaking,  however,  a  native 
of  northern  climes,  but  ranges  in  Southern  Europe  and 
Asia,  and  only  accidentally  goes  to  the  Scandinavian 
Peninsula  and  Iceland.  So  rare  is  it  in  the  north  that, 


98  WATER  FOWL. 

in  the  warmer  climate  of  Great  Britain,  it  is  only  a  scarce 
straggler,  and  Dresser  considers  most  of  the  specimens 
taken  there  have  escaped  from  confinement.  Still  some 
of  the  rare  stragglers  to  Iceland  may  have  wandered 
farther,  once  they  were  off  the  right  track,  and  reached 
Greenland.  This  species  prefers  the  society  of  Geese  to 
that  of  Ducks,  and  frequents,  during  the  day,  open  fields 
where  it  can  see  a  long  distance,  for  it  is  habitually  shy, 
going  at  evening  to  the  lakes  and  ponds.  It  nests  in 
the  hollows  of  trees,  also  in  holes  in  the  ground  and  in 
clefts  of  the  cliffs.  It  visits  India,  and  my  friend  the  late 
Dr.  Jerdon  related  a  legend  of  this  bird  that  is  current 
there.  It  runs  that  for  some  indiscretion  two  lovers 
were  transformed  into  Braminy  Ducks  (the  name  for 
this  species  there)  and  were  condemned  to  pass  the  night 
apart  from  each  other  on  opposite  sides  of  the  river,  and 
that  all  night  long  each  in  its  turn  asks  its  mate  if  it  shall 
come  across,  but  the  question  is  always  met  in  the  nega- 
tive: "  Chackwa,  shall  I  come?"  "No,  Chakwi." 
"  Chakwi,  shall  I  come?"  "No,  Chakwa."  It  is  also 
supposed  in  some  parts  of  India  that  whoever  kills  one 
of  these  Ducks  will  be  doomed  to  perpetual  celibacy; 
hence  by  the  natives  they  are  seldom  molested.  The  call 
note  of  this  bird  is  loud  and  clear,  more  resembling  that 
of  a  Goose  than  any  sound  a  Duck  utters. 


CASARCA  CASARCA. 

Geographical  Distribution.—  Southern  and  Eastern  Europe; 
North  Africa  to  Shoa,  Southern  Asia,  China,  and  Japan.  Acci- 
dental in  the  Scandinavian  Peninsula,  Iceland,  and  Greenland. 

Adult  Male. — Head  and  neck,  buff,  grading  into  orange 
brown  on  the  lower  part  of  the  neck,  which  is  surrounded  by  a 
black  ring.  Back,  breast,  and  under  parts,  foxy  red.  Rump, 
yellowish  red,  vermiculated  with  black.  Wing  coverts,  white; 


RUDDY  SHELDRAKE.  99 

secondaries,  glossed  with  green  and  purple  on  outer  web,  form- 
ing a  speculum.  Tertials,  yellowish,  foxy  red  on  outer  web, 
gray  on  inner.  Primaries,  tail,  and  tail  coverts,  black.  Bill,  legs, 
and  feet,  blackish.  Iris,  brown.  Total  length,  about  24  inches; 
wing,  14$;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  2±. 

Adult  Female. — Resembles  the  male,  but  the  plumage  is  gen- 
erally lighter,  and  there  is  no  collar  at  base  of  neck. 


MALLARD. 

^JRIGINALLY  the  source  from  which  the  domesti- 
cated races  of  Ducks  have  descended,  the  Mallard 
is  distributed  over  the  entire  northern  portions  of  both 
hemispheres.  In  North  America  it  is  found  from  the 
Arctic  regions  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  the  At- 
lantic to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Throughout  this  vast  extent 
of  country  it  bears,  as  may  be  supposed,  many  names,  of 
which  some  of  the  most  common  are,  Green-head,  Wild 
Duck,  and  Gray  Duck  or  Gray  Mallard,  while  the  French 
call  it  Canard  franqais  or  French  Duck;  and  the  Rus- 
sians Se  le  sen.  In  England  it  is  sometimes  known  as 
Stock  Duck,  probably  because  it  is  the  stock  from  which 
the  tame  Duck  has  been  derived.  Wherever  found  in 
summer,  there  the  Wild  Duck  breeds.  The  nest  is  a 
rather  large  structure  of  grasses  and  small  sedge  stalks, 
lined  occasionally  with  down  or  feathers,  and  placed  in 
the  vicinity  of  water,  in  a  marsh,  or,  if  in  the  West,  on  the 
prairie  near  some  slough.  The  pale,  greenish  white  eggs 
are  usually  six  in  number,  and  the  female  alone  attends  to 
the  duties  of  incubation;  the  male  loitering  about  in  the 
vicinity,  or  else  joining  unto  himself  a  number  of  other 
idle  males,  passing  the  time  in  dabbling  about  the  ponds 
in  the  vicinity  and  selfishly  caring  only  for  their  individ- 
ual interests.  The  female  is  a  close  sitter,  and  will  allow 
an  intruder  to  approach  very  near  before  indicating  by 
any  movement  that  she  is  aware  of  his  presence,  and  only 
leaves  the  nest  when  capture  is  imminent.  In  the  North 
the  situation  of  the  nest  is  sometimes  quite  different,  and 


MALLARD.  IOI 

it  is  frequently  placed  among  trees,  occasionally  in  a 
hollow  stump,  even  in  the  tree  itself;  usually,  though,  in 
such  cases,  the  bird  occupies  some  empty  nest  left  over 
from  a  previous  season.  It  requires  about  four  weeks 
for  the  eggs  to  hatch,  and  the  female  at  once  leads  the 
young  to  the  water,  and  assists  them  to  procure  suitable 
food.  The  ducklings  are  very  active,  dive  with  ease, 
and  hide  at  the  least  alarm  with  great  celerity  and  suc- 
cess, sinking  in  the  water  and  leaving  the  bill  only  above 
the  surface.  Numbers  perish  from  various  causes,  for 
they  have  many  enemies  of  the  air,  land,  and  water: 
hawks  and  owls,  sometimes  crows,  also  all  kinds  of 
four-footed  creatures  prowling  about  the  swamps  and 
marshes,  not  counting  sundry  snakes,  prey  upon 
them,  while  many  a  downy  young  disappears  suddenly 
from  the  midst  of  the  little  family  swimming  quietly 
along,  seized  from  beneath  the  surface  by  some  turtle  or 
predatory  fish.  So  greatly  are  they  exposed  to  manifold 
dangers  that  the  only  wonder  is  so  many  reach  maturity. 
During  the  nesting  season  the  males  moult,  the  females 
not  undergoing  this  process  until  the  young  are  hatched. 
The  breeding  season  is  over  by  June,  and  when  the  brood 
is  full  grown  the  male  rejoins  his  family.  During  the 
earlier  part  of  the  summer  the  plumage  of  the  male  is 
very  similar  to  that  of  the  female,  but  toward  September 
he  assumes  the  beautiful  dress  by  which  he  is  so  well 
known  throughout  the  world. 

In  the  Northeastern  States  the  Mallard  is  less  com- 
mon than  farther  south,  and  from  New  Brunswick  to 
Massachusetts  it  may  be  considered  as  rather  rare  in 
comparison  with  other  species  of  Ducks.  In  the  West- 
ern States  the  Mallard  visits  the  corn-fields,  and  in  the 
Southern  Atlantic  States  the  rice-fields,  and  becomes 
very  fat  on  these  kinds  of  food,  and  also  of  excellent  fla- 


102  WATER  FOWL, 

vor.  Advantage  is  taken  of  this  habit  by  gunners,  who 
make  blinds  in  the  fields  where  they  can  remain  con- 
cealed and  shoot  the  birds  as  they  come  in  to  alight  or 
when  flying  overhead,  and  great  numbers  are  killed  in 
this  way.  Mallards  also  decoy  easily,  either  to  wooden 
counterfeits  of  themselves  or  to  the  bodies  of  their 
kindred  that  have  been  shot  and  set  out  before  the  blind, 
supported  on  sticks  so  as  to  give  them  a  semblance  of 
life.  Usually  wary  and  suspicious,  it  is  often  surprising 
to  witness  the  entire  confidence  displayed  by  this  Duck 
when  approaching  the  decoys,  particularly  if  the  quack- 
ing notes  in  their  various  modulations  are  well  imitated. 
On  catching  sight  of  their  supposed  relatives,  the  birds 
wheel,  and  come  directly  toward  them,  setting  their 
wings  as  they  draw  near,  and  uttering  low,  soft  quacks 
in  a  confidential  tone,  as  if  expressing  satisfaction  at 
meeting  so  many  of  the  brethren  at  one  time.  Then, 
if  any  breeze  is  blowing,  just  before  alighting  they  wheel 
head  to  wind  and  settle  upon  the  water,  but  if  it  is 
calm  they  hover  for  a  moment  over  the  decoys  and  then 
drop  with  a  splash  in  their  midst. 

When  startled,  the  Mallard  springs  directly  into  the  air 
several  feet  upward,  and  then  flies  away  very  rapidly.  No 
preparation  whatever  is  needed  for  it  to  make  an  exit 
from  any  spot,  and  if  it  is  on  a  pond  or  narrow  creek 
or  in  any  concealed  spot,  one  spring  carries  it  above 
all  obstacles  and  leaves  a  clear  line  of  escape. 
Usually  the  sexes  are  not  separated  during  the  winter, 
but  keep  together,  yet  in  North  Carolina  I  have  on  sev- 
eral occasions  discovered  as  many  as  fifty  males  assem- 
bled on  a  pond,  without  a  single  female  being  present.  I 
have  often  wondered  at  this,  and  tried  to  account  for  such 
a  concourse  of  one  sex  at  that  season  of  the  year,  about 
December,  but  never  could  arrive  at  any  satisfactory  ex- 


MALLARD.  103 

planation.  The  Mallard  walks  with  ease,  and  can  also 
run  with  considerable  speed.  On  the  water  it  moves  with 
grace,  and  when  seeking  the  seeds,  roots,  mollusks,  vari- 
ous grasses,  etc.,  on  which  it  feeds,  tilts  up  the  hinder 
part  of  the  body  and  digs  on  the  bottom  with  its  bill.  It 
never  dives,  and  when  wounded  tries  to  skulk  away;  per- 
haps as  a  last  resort  struggles  to  disappear  beneath  the 
surface,  with,  however,  but  poor  results. 

The  Mallard  is  a  very  noisy  Duck,  and  its  loud  quack- 
ing is  one  of  the  familiar  sounds  heard  in  the  marshes 
during  the  winter.  It  is  also  very  sociable  and  the 
little  companies  keep  close  together  as  they  swim  along, 
for  even  when  feeding  the  birds  rarely  separate  from  each 
other  for  any  distance.  They  are  continually  in  motion, 
poking  their  bills  into  the  soft  mud,  and  sifting  it  through 
the  mandibles.  They  feed  mostly  at  night,  but  at  the 
same  time  are  equally  active  by  day,  although,  if  the 
weather  is  warm  and  calm,  they  are  in  the  habit  of  tak- 
ing a  nap  in  the  sun's  rays,  having  one  or  more  of  their 
number,  hoAvever,  to  act  as  sentinels  and  announce  any 
approaching  danger. 

The  Mallard  is  one  of  the  commonest  of  our  Water 
Fowl,  and,  from  its  large  size  and  generally  well-flavored 
flesh,  is  eagerly  sought  after.  This  Duck  interbreeds 
with  other  species,  and  hybrids  are  frequently  shot, 
bearing  unmistakable  evidence  of  their  «mixed  parentage. 
Some  of  these  are  very  beautiful  birds,  and  in  the  days 
when  hybridism  was  little  understood  or  suspected,  cer- 
tain ones  were  described  as  distinct.  One  of  these,  and 
perhaps  the  most  beautiful  of  all,  was  called  by  Audubon 
Brewer's  Duck  (Anas  breiveri)  probably  a  cross  between 
the  Mallard  and  the  Dusky  Duck.  Occasionally  along 
the  Atlantic  coast  a  Duck  is  shot  that  is  larger  than  the 
Mallard,  with  the  head  and  part  of  the  neck  black  with 


104  WATER  FOWL. 

green  reflections,  and  the  lower  portion  of  neck  in  front 
often  white.  Sometimes  there  is  some  white  on  the 
throat  and  head.  Breast,  very  dark  chestnut,  under  parts 
white,  except  the  crissum,  which  is  chestnut  black.  Back, 
brownish  black  variegated  with  grayish  brown;  rump 
and  upper  tail  coverts,  black  with  green  reflection,  like 
the  head.  These  birds  were  regarded  always  with  much 
interest,  and  opinions  differed  as  to  what  they  could  be, 
but  it  is  now  generally  considered  that  they  are  hybrids 
of  the  Mallard  and  Muscovy,*  which,  although  bred  in 
captivity,  have  returned  to  the  wild  state.  The  descrip- 
tion given  above  only  relates  to  one  style  or  phase  of  the 
plumage  exhibited  by  these  birds,  as  individuals  vary 
considerably  from  each  other. 

ANAS  BOSCH  AS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  both  Hem- 
ispheres. In  North  America,  ranging  from  the  Arctic  Regions 
to  Panama  and  to  Cuba.  Breeding  wherever  it  may  be  at  the 
proper  season. 

Adult  Male. — Head  and  neck,  metallic  green.  White  collar 
at  base  of  neck.  Back,  brown,  waved  with  narrow  lines  of  pale 
brown.  Scapulars,  grayish  white,  waved  with  dusky.  Wing, 
slate  brown,  edged  with  rufous  on  some  feathers.  Speculum,  or 
wing  patch,  metallic  purple,  crossed  at  each  end  with  a  black 
bar,  succeeded  by  a  white  one.  Primaries,  dark  brown,  with  a 
grayish  gloss.  Lower  back,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  greenish 
black.  Recurved  feathers  above  tail,  black.  Breast,  deep, 
glossy  chestnut.  Under  parts,  silvery  gray,  waved  with  narrow 

*  The  Muscovy  (Cairina  moschatd)  is  found  throughout  tropi- 
cal America,  and  very  possibly  may  visit  at  times  the  coasts  of 
some  of  our  Southern  States,  straggling  outside  its  limits,  and 
should  it  meet  with  the  Mallard  at  the  proper  season,  a  mixed 
brood  would  very  probably  result.  Therefore,  some  of  these 
large  ducks  that  are  killed  from  time  to  time  may  not  have  been 
the  offspring  of  domesticated  parents. 


MALLARD.  105 

lines  of  black,  darkest  on  flanks  and  beneath  the  chestnut  on 
breast.  Under  tail  coverts,  jet  black.  Tail,  white.  Bill,  green- 
ish yellow;  nail,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  orange  red.  Length, 
about  22  inches;  wing,  n;  tail,  4^;  tarsus,  i^;  culmen,  2-^. 

Adult  Male,  when  Moulting. — This  stage  of  plumage  occurs 
in  the  summer,  and  only  lasts  for  a  comparatively  brief  period, 
and  is  very  like  the  dress  of  the  female,  but  darker. 

Adult  Female.— Feathers  of  head  and  neck,  with  dusky  cen- 
ters and  buff  edges.  Chin,  whitish;  throat,  buff,  or  ochraceous. 
Upper  parts,  black;  the  feathers  edged  and  tipped  with  buff  on 
back  and  wings,  and  with  ochraceous  on  lower  back  and  upper 
tail  coverts.  Speculum  of  wing,  as  in  the  male.  Under  parts, 
buff,  palest  on  breast  and  belly,  with  central  streaks  of  black, 
broadest  on  sides  and  flanks.  Bill,  feet,  and  legs,  colored  like 
the  male's.  Dimensions,  similar  to  the  male's. 

Downy  Young. — Upper  parts,  olivaceous.  Sides  of  head, 
stripe  over  the  eye,  and  lower  parts,  yellowish  buff,  lightest  on 
belly.  A  dusky  streak  from  bill  through  eye  to  occiput,  and  a 
dusky  spot  on  ear  coverts.  Pale  buff  spots  on  wing  and  on  each 
side  of  back  and  rump. 


DUSKY   DUCK. 

DLACK  Duck,  Black  and  Dusky  Mallard,  Black  Eng- 
lish Duck,  and  Canard  Noir  in  Louisiana,  are  the 
names  by  which  this  bird  is  variously  known.  Its  range 
is  mainly  throughout  eastern  North  America,  north  of 
Florida,  extending  westward  to  Utah  and  Texas,  and 
north  to  Hudson  Bay.  In  Florida  it  is  replaced  by  a 
smaller  subspecies  of  similar  appearance.  In  its  habits 
this  duck  very  closely 'resembles  the  Mallard,  and  it  has 
the  same  loud  quacking  note.  It  breeds  in  various  parts 
of  the  United  States  from  Maine  to  Texas,  as  well  as  in 
Labrador,  where  in  summer  it  is  very  abundant.  The 
nest,  placed  upon  the  ground  in  the  vicinity  of  water,  is 
a  compact  structure  of  weeds  and  grass,  lined  with  down 
and  feathers,  and  the  eggs  are  grayish  white  with  a  green 
tinge.  Eight  to  ten  is  the  usual  complement. 

Of  all  our  Water  Fowl  the  Black  Duck  is  one  of  the 
most  cunning  and  suspicious.  It  also  possesses  a  keen 
smell,  and  no  matter  how  well  one  may  be  concealed  in 
a  carefully  constructed  blind,  if  the  wind  blows  toward 
the  advancing  bird,  it  will  detect  the  sportsman's  pres- 
ence and  remove  itself  without  delay  from  the  dangerous 
neighborhood.  Many  a  time  have  I  watched  one  or 
more  of  these  wide-awake  birds  coming  straight  to  my 
decoys,  apparently  only  intent  upon  joining  the  flock  of 
their  supposed  'brethren,  and  uttering  as  they  came  that 
low,  soft  quack,  so  indicative  of  confidence  and  pleased 
satisfaction,  when  suddenly,  without  any  apparent  rea- 
son, the  birds  would  rise  in  the  air  and  swerve  off  in  an 
1 06 


DUSKY  DUCK.  107 

opposite  direction.  There  was  nothing  visible  to  create 
alarm,  but  their  keen  scent  had  warned  them  of  the  pres- 
ence of  an  influence  not  accustomed  to  bring  them  in- 
creased happiness  and  a  long  life. 

The  flight  of  the  Black  Duck  is  performed  in  a  similar 
manner  to  that  of  the  Mallard,  with  quickly  repeated 
beats  of  the  wings,  and  usually  at  a  considerable  height, 
and  as  the  bird  moves  speedily  along  it  turns  the  head 
from  side  to  side,  sharply  observing  the  ground  be- 
neath, and  keenly  attentive  to  every  object  and  move- 
ment. When  flying,  the  white  under  coverts  of  the 
wings  show  very  conspicuously.  It  is  usually  on 
the  alert,  although  at  times  its  suspicions  seem  to  be 
allayed  for  the  moment,  and  then  it  will  fly  to  the  de- 
coys and  settle  among  them  as  quietly  and  with  as  much 
unconcern  as  would  a  tame  Duck  that  was  able  to  fly. 
These  occurrences,  however,  are  rare  and  not  to  be 
counted  upon,  as  this  Duck's  trust  in  man  is  not  often 
exhibited  to  any  considerable  extent.  It  rises  from  the 
water  with  a  bound,  as  if  it  had  been  shot  up 
by  powerful  springs,  usually  uttering  a  few  quacks  as  it 
mounts  upwards,  scattering  showers  of  spray  around 
by  the  violence  of  its  movements. 

The  Black  Duck  is  very  much  of  a  nocturnal  bird, 
moving  about  a  great  deal  at  night,  especially  if  the  moon 
is  shining,  and  it  associates  with  the  Mallards  and  other 
swamp  and  marsh  Ducks,  its  watchfulness  and  ability  to 
detect  danger  making  it  a  valuable  member  to  any  web- 
footed  coterie.  Its  note  is  so  like  the  Mallard's  that  it  is 
difficult  to  distinguish  them  apart,  and  every  few  moments 
the  quacks  are  shot  forth  in  abrupt  vociferations,  as  if 
the  bird  had  just  reached  the  limit  of  its  power  for  sup- 
pressing them,  and  the  voice  had  gained  strength  and 
sonorousness  by  long  confinement.  This  species  is  a 


108  WATER  FOWL. 

mud  Duck,  and  delights  to  paddle  and  feed  in  the 
swamps  and  marshes,  sifting  the  half-liquid  ooze  with  its 
bill,  and  extracting  whatever  nutriment  it  contains,  be  it 
of  plant,  insect,  or  mollusk  life.  It  is  not  particular  as 
to  its  diet,  and  swallows  anything  it  may  find  that  is  eat- 
able. The  flesh  of  this  bird  is  not  usually  as  palatable  as  is 
that  of  many  other  Ducks,  although  the  quality  varies  of 
course  with  that  of  its  food,  but  sometimes  it  is  decidedly 
rank  and  fishy.  It  is  a  large  bird,  equal  in  size  to  the 
Mallard,  and  the  sexes  resemble  each  other  very  closely. 
Like  the  common  Wild  Duck,  this  species  goes  in  flocks 
without  any  regular  order,  each  bird  selecting  his  own 
route  totally  regardless  of  his  fellows,  and  frequently 
they  present  a  confused  mass  in  the  air.  Again,  if  over 
ponds,  they  wheel  occasionally  with  some  degree  of 
unison. 

ANAS  OBSCURA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Eastern  North  America,  from 
Labrador  to  Florida;  and  west  to  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi. 
Breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  Male. — Top  of  head  and  line  on  hind  neck,  black, 
streaked  with  buff.  Rest  of  head  and  throat,  buff,  streaked  with 
dusky.  Remainder  of  plumage,  dusky  or  brownish  black;  paler 
beneath,  all  the  feathers,  save  those  on  lower  back  and  rump, 
margined  with  ochraceous.  Speculum,  metallic  violet,  some- 
times green,  edged  with  black.  Bill,  yellowish  green;  nail, 
dusky.  Legs  and  feet,  orange  red;  webs,  dusky.  Length, 
about  22  inches;  wing,  n;  culmen,  2^;  tarsus,  i-&. 

Adult  Female. — Resembles  the  male.  Practically  there  is  no 
difference  in  the  plumage  of  the  sexes. 

Downy  Young.— To?  of  head,  hind  neck,  and  upper  parts, 
olive  brown;  rest  of  head,  neck,  and  lower  part,  darkish  buff, 
lightest  on  belly.  A  dusky  streak  from  bill  through  eye  to  occi- 
put, and  a  dusky  spot  on  ear  coverts.  Pale  buff  spots  on  border 
of  wing,  and  on  each  side  of  back  and  rump. 


FLORIDA    DUSKY   DUCK. 

'"THIS  small  representative  of  the  Black  Duck  is  ap- 
parently restricted  to  the  more  southern  parts  of  the 
Peninsula  of  Florida.  It  is  lighter  in  color  and  has  a 
creamy  buff  throat  and  fore-neck.  The  bill  is  also  dif- 
ferently marked  and  colored.  It  breeds  in  April,  and  the 
nest,  formed  of  grass  and  similar  materials  and  lined 
with  down  and  feathers,  is  placed  upon  the  ground  in  the 
midst  of  matted  grass,  or  under  a  palmetto,  or  some 
sheltering  bush,  near  water.  The  eggs,  usually  eight  or 
ten,  are  very  similar  to  those  of  the  Black  Duck,  but 
lighter  in  color.  The  male  remains  in  the  vicinity  while 
the  female  is  incubating  the  eggs,  but  does  not  share  in 
any  of  the  duties. 

This  species  frequents  the  ponds  of  fresh  water,  going 
out  at  night  to  the  sheltered  bays  near  the  Keys  to  feed 
and  disport  itself.  In  the  autumn  the  males  appear  to 
associate  together,  but  flocks  of  both  sexes -are  met  with 
in  the  winter,  and  the  mating  season  begins  as  early  as 
January.  Many  are  destroyed  when  the  grass  is  burned 
to  permit  the  young  shoots  to  spring  forth,  as  this  is  done 
usually  at  the  period  when  the  female  is  on  her  nest.  In 
its  habits  this  species  does  not  differ  from  its  Northern 
relative,  is  about  as  shy  and  cunning,  but  from  its  re- 
stricted dispersion  and  the  number  of  sportsmen  who 
visit  Florida  in  winter,  it  has  a  very  fair  chance  at  no  dis- 
tant day  of  becoming  extinct. 


WATER  FOWL. 


ANAS  FUL  VIG ULA . 

Geographical  Distribution.  —State  of  Florida. 

Adult  Male.— Top  of  head,  streaked  with  black  and  buff.  Rest 
of  head,  sides,  and  back  of  neck,  buff,  streaked  with  dark  brown. 
The  cheeks  are  sometimes  without  streaks,  but  in  a  aeries  of 
these  birds  plain  cheeks  were  no  more  frequent  than  those  with 
streaks,  and  this  marking  seems  to  be  very  variable.  Chin  and 
throat,  plain  buff  of  varying  intensity.  General  plumage,  black, 
feathers  edged  with  ochraceous  on  upper  parts,  but  with  pale 
buff  beneath.  Speculum  seems  to  vary  in  color  among  individ- 
uals, and  is  either  metallic  green  or  metallic  blue,  and,  in  some 
specimens,  is  tipped  with  white,  forming  a  bar  across  the  wing. 
Bill,  yellowish  olive;  nail,  and  spot  at  base  of  maxilla,  black. 
Legs  and  feet,  pale  orange  red.  Iris,  brown.  Total  length, 
about  20  inches;  wing,  10;  culmen,  2^;  tarsus,  i^;  bill,  2. 

Adult  Female. — Resembles  the  male  in  general  color  of 
plumage,  but  is  rather  lighter,  with  sometimes  a  white  bar  across 
the  wing  on  posterior  edge  of  speculum.  The  legs  and  feet  are 
dull  red;  the  webs,  flesh  color,  mottled  with  brown.  There  is 
little  or  no  difference  in  the  measurements  of  the  sexes. 


MOTTLED  DUCK. 

HP  HIS  Duck  was  described  by  Mr.  Sennett  from  a 
specimen  taken  at  Nueces  Bay,  near  Corpus  Christi, 
Texas,  by  Mr.  J.  A.  Singley,  who  was  collecting  birds 
for  him  at  that  time.  It  resembles  closely  the  previous 
subspecies,  the  Florida  Dusky  Duck,  but  chiefly  differs 
in  having  the  cheeks  streaked  with  brown,  instead  of 
being  plain  buff;  and  the  speculum,  or  metallic  spot 
on  the  wing,  purple  instead  of  green.  The  general  effect 
of  the  coloration  of  the  plumage  is  that  of  being  spotted 
instead  of  streaked,  and  the  light  markings  are  pale  buff 
instead  of  a  deep  buff,  and  this  gives  a  slightly  different 
appearance  to  the  two  forms,  but  they  nevertheless  re- 
semble each  other.  The  streaked  cheeks  are  to  be 
seen  among  some  individuals  of  the  Florida  Dusky 
Duck,  and  the  color  of  the  speculum  is  at  times  merely 
a  question  of  light,  purple  and  green  in  metallic  hues 
being  often  interchangeable.  An  ornithologist  might 
readily  recognize  to  which  form  most  of  his  specimens 
belonged,  but  the  ordinary  observer  would  probably  have 
difficulty  in  distinguishing  them. 

There  appears  to  be  a  great  similarity  in  the  habits  of 
this  bird  and  those  of  its  relative,  as  might  be  expected, 
but  not  many  specimens  have  as  yet  been  obtained,  and 
more  information  regarding  it  is  needed  before  the 
validity  of  its  subspecific  standing  is  satisfactorily  deter- 
mined. In  Louisiana  it  is  known  as  Canard  Noir  d'Ete, 
or  Black  Summer  Duck.  It  is  said  to  be  a  common 
resident  in  that  State,  and  breeds  there. 


WATER  FOWL. 


ANAS  FULVIGULA  MACULOSA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Eastern  Texas,  Louisiana,  north 
to  Kansas. 

Mr.  Sennett's  description  of  this  bird  is  as  follows: 
"  Top  of  head,  blackish  brown,  margined  with  very  pale  buff. 
Chin  and  throat,  Isabella  color.  Cheeks,  buffy  white,  with  narrow 
streaks  of  dark  brown.  Feathers  of  breast,  wings,  upper  parts, 
and  flanks,  blackish  brown,  margined  with  pale  buff.  Under 
parts,  buffy  white,  each  feather  with  a  broad  blackish  brown  mark 
near  the  tip,  giving  a  decidedly  mottled  appearance.  Under 
tail  coverts,  blackish,  with  outer  margins  of  inner  webs  reddish 
buff;  those  of  outer  webs,  buffy  white.  The  four  median  feathers 
of  tail,  blackish  brown;  the  others,  fuscous,  margined  with  pale 
buff,  and  a  V-shaped  mark,  as  in  A.fulvigula,  but  of  a  buffy 
white.  Under  surface  of  all  tail  feathers,  light  gray,  excepting 
the  four  median,  which  are  blackish  brown.  Lining  of  wing, 
white.  Speculum,  metallic  purple,  feathers  tipped  with  white. 
Bill  has  a  small  black  spot  on  base  of  lower  edge  of  upper  man- 
dible, as  in  A.  fulvigula.  Feet,  reddish  orange.  Wing,  10 
inches;  culmen,  2±;  tarsus,  if;  middle  toe  and  claw,  i|." 


GADWALL. 

C  SSENTIALLY  a  fresh-water  bird,  this  Duck,  while 
met  with  generally  throughout  North  America,  is  no- 
where so  abundant  as  are  the  Widgeon,  Sprigtails,  Mal- 
lards, etc.,  with  which  it  is  accustomed  to  associate.  It 
has  a  wide  dispersion,  and  is  found  throughout  both  the 
northern  hemispheres.  In  North  America  it  is  known  by 
various  names,  those  most  commonly  employed  being, 
Creek  Duck,  Speckle-Belly,  Gray  Duck,  Welch  Drake, 
German  Duck,  Gray  Widgeon,  and  Canard  Gris  in 
Louisiana.  It  is  a  shy  bird,  retiring  in  disposition,  keep- 
ing to  the  small  creeks,  borders  of  marshes,  and  fresh- 
water ponds.  It  is  a  very  swift  flyer,  and  resembles  very 
much  the  Widgeon  when  in  the  air,  and  dives  with  equal 
celerity  and  address.  It  hides  among  reeds  and  tall 
grasses  and  passes  much  of  its  time  seeking  its  food  close 
along  the  shores,  where  for  the  greater  part  of  the  time  it 
is  concealed  by  overhanging  bushes  or  grasses.  Gener- 
ally it  goes  in  small  flocks,  does  not  readily  come  to  de- 
coys, and  when  it  does  draw  near  them  it  is  probably  in 
the  company  of  a  small  flock  of  Widgeon.  The  Gadwall 
breeds  in  the  United  States,  as  far  south  as  Colorado  and 
about  the  lakes  at  a  high  elevation,  and  in  the  Arctic  re- 
gions east  of  the  mountains.  The  nest,  composed  mainly 
of  feathers  and  dry  leaves,  is  usually  placed  in  a  marsh, 
and  the  eggs,  of  which  the  number  ranges  from  eight  to 
twelve,  are  a  uniform  cream  color.  When  paddling 
about  the  marshes,  or  flying  at  no  height  above  them,  as 
if  seeking  some  particular  spot  it  could  not  readily  find, 


H4  WATER  FOWL. 

this  Duck  utters  a  low  croaking  quack.  It  feeds  upon 
grasses  such  as  commonly  grow  in  or  near  ponds  and 
streams,  leaves  and  roots  of  water  plants,  and  possibly 
fish,  if  it  can  get  them,  and  mollusks;  but  these  last  I 
fancy  it  eats  only  when  the  other  more  natural  food  is 
difficult  to  obtain. 

The  male  is  a  very  handsome  bird,  and  his  stylish, 
modestly  colored  dress  makes  him  one  of  the  most  at- 
tractive of  our  Water  Fowl.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  indi- 
vidual variation  in  the  males  of  this  species,  and  some  are 
more  darkly  colored  than  others,  and  occasionally  there 
is  a  more  or  less  well  defined  black  ring  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  neck.  The  female  is  a  pretty  brown  and  white 
bird,  with  a  wing  somewhat  similar  to  the  male's,  but 
without  the  chestnut  on  the  metallic  spot  in  the  center, 
and  by  many  she  is  frequently  mistaken  for  the  female  of 
the  American  Widgeon,  to  which  indeed  she  bears  a  con- 
siderable resemblance. 

.From  its  secluded  habits  the  Gadwall  is  not  as  well 
known  to  the  majority  of  American  sportsmen  as  are  the 
Widgeon  and  some  other  fresh-water  Ducks,  and  as  it 
keeps  in  small  flocks  and  shuns  decoys,  the  opportunities 
for  becoming  acquainted  with  the  bird's  ways  and  appear- 
ance are  at  no  time  very  great  or  favorable.  As  a  bird 
for  the  table  it  is  in  no  way  inferior  to  the  Widgeon  when 
both  have  had  access  to  similar  food,  and  in  size  the  two 
species  are  about  equal,  but  if  there  is  any  difference  the 
Gadwall  may  average  a  trifle  larger. 

CHAULELASMUS  STREPERUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  Hemisphere.  In  North 
America  ranging  from  Arctic  regions  to  Mexico  and  Jamaica. 
Breeds  in  the  Northern  States,  and  in  the  Arctic  Regions  east 
of  the  mountains. 

Adult  Mate.— Top  of  head,  rufous,  varying  in  depth  of  shade 


GAD  WALL.  US 

among  individuals,  and  spotted  with  black ;  rest  of  head  light 
buff  or.  whitish,  speckled  with  blackish  brown.  Throat,  buff, 
indistinctly  spotted  with  brown.  Flesh,  dark  buff,  spotted  with 
blackish.  Upper  part  of  back  and  breast  marked  with  crescent- 
shaped  black  and  white  bars,  the  former  broadest  and  most 
prominent.  Back,  scapulars,  and  flanks,  undulated  with  slate 
color  and  white.  Long  scapulars,  fringed  with  rusty  brown. 
Lesser  wing  coverts,  gray ;  middle  coverts,  bright  chestnut; 
greater  coverts,  velvety  black.  Secondaries,  pale  gray;  outer 
webs,  white,  forming  a  speculum  beneath  the  black  coverts. 
Primaries,  gray.  Crissum  and  upper  tail  coverts,  jet  black. 
Tail,  dark  gray,  whitish  on  the  edges.  Vent  and  under  tail 
coverts,  black;  rest  of  tinder  parts,  white.  Bill,  bluish  black. 
Iris,  brown.  Legs  and  feet,  orange  yellow;  webs,  dusky.  Total 
length,  about  20  inches;  wing,  lof ;  tail,  8^;  culmen,  r&;  tarsus, 

ITT>- 

Adult  Female, — Top  of  head,  blackish,  faintly  marked  with 
buff.  Rest  of  head  and  neck,  yellowish,  spotted  with  blackish 
brown.  Chin  and  throat,  yellowish  white,  minutely  spotted  with 
dark  brown.  Back  and  breast,  fuscous,  the  feathers  margined 
with  buff.  Lower  back  and  rump,  fuscous.  Wings,  like  the 
male,  but  usually  without  any  chestnut,  the  wing  coverts  being 
gray,  tipped  with  whitish.  The  speculum  is  white,  with  little  or 
no  black  on  its  front  edge.  Primaries,  fuscous.  Under  wing 
coverts  and  axillae,  white.  Upper  tail  coverts,  fuscous,  with  V- 
and  U-shaped  bars,  and  edges  of  buff.  Tail,  fuscous  edged  with 
gray  and  whitish.  Sides,  ochraceous,  with  large  spots  of  fuscous. 
Anal  region  and  under  tail  coverts,  buff,  spotted  with  fuscous. 
Rest  of  under  parts,  pure  white.  Bill,  dusky,  orange  near  the 
edges.  Legs  and  feet,  dingy  yellow;  webs,  dusky.  Smaller  in 
size  than  the  male.  Total  length,  about  19  inches;  wing,  10;  cul- 
men, iT7ff;  tarsus,  i-^. 

Young. — No  chestnut  or  black  on  the  wings;  white  on  second- 
aries not  clear;  under  parts  with  nebulous  brown  centers  to  the 
feathers.  Rest  of  plumage  like  the  female. 

Downy  Young. — Forehead  and  space  around  the  eye,  throat, 
and  chest,  rich  yellow.  Upper  parts,  dark  brown,  with  dark 
yellow  spots  on  sides  of  back  and  rump,  and  on  edges  of  wing. 
Lower  parts,  sooty  gray. 


EUROPEAN  WIDGEON. 

A  WELL-KNOWN  and  common  species  of  the  Old 
World,  this  handsome  Duck  can  only  be  regarded 
as  a  straggler  within  our  limits.  It  has  been  killed  on 
numerous  occasions  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States, 
usually  in  the  company  of  the  American  Widgeon.  It  is 
not  uncommon  among  the  Aleutian  Islands  and  breeds 
there,  and  doubtless  individuals  starting  on  the  fall  mi- 
gration have  taken  the  wrong  course  inadvertently,  or 
else  have  joined  flocks  of  American  Wild  Fowl  and  pene- 
trated into  unaccustomed  lands,  and  embraced  an  oppor- 
tunity to  look  upon  unfamiliar  scenes.  In  its  habits  it 
does  not  vary  to  any  appreciable  extent  from  its  Ameri- 
can relative,  and  its  life  history  has  been  thoroughly  writ- 
ten by  a  number  of  able  English  and  Continental  orni- 
thologists. While  having  a  general  resemblance  to  the 
Bald-Pate  (to  anyone  who  was  not  accustomed  to  observe 
closely),  it  is  in  fact  a  very  differently  marked  bird,  and 
while  of  very  attractive  appearance  is  not  as  handsome 
as  our  own  species.  Numerous  specimens  have  been  ob- 
tained in  California,  and  I  had  a  beautiful  and  very  per- 
fect male  which  was  shot  in  Illinois,  and  is  now  with 
my  collection  of  birds  in  the  Museum  of  Natural  History 
in  New  York.  I  have  also  seen  examples  procured  on 
the  North  Carolina  coast,  so  it  would  seem  that  when  it 
strays  from  its  legitimate  route,  it  has  no  preference  as  to 
the  road  it  travels,  but  visits  indiscriminately  any  por- 
tions of  the  country  to  which  fate  may  lead  it. 


EUROPEAN    WIDGEON.  117 


MARECA  PENELOPE. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  Eastern 
Hemisphere,  and  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  United  States  as 
far  south  as  California  on  the  Pacific,  and  the  coasts  of  North 
Carolina  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  Breeds  pretty  much  through- 
out the  northern  part  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere. 

Adult  Male. — Forehead  and  crown  varying  among  individuals 
from  white  to  ochraceous.  Remainder  of  head  and  sides  of 
neck,  rufous.  Cluster  of  small  green  spots  behind  the  eye, 
and  some  on  the  occiput.  Chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  neck, 
black.  Breast,  vinaceous.  Back  and  sides,  finely  undulated 
with  black  and  white.  Long  tertials,  gray  on  inner  webs,  black, 
edged  with  white,  on  the  outer.  Wing  coverts,  white.  Speculum, 
metallic  green.  Primaries,  ftfscous.  Lower  back,  slate  gray, 
with  a  white  spot  on  each  side  of  base  of  upper  tail  coverts. 
Inner  upper  tail  coverts,  gray,  with  white  edges  ;  outer  ones, 
black,  edged  with  white  on  inner  webs.  Under  parts,  white. 
Under  tail  coverts,  black.  Tail,  pointed,  fuscous,  becoming 
almost  black  at  tips.  Bill,  bluish  black;  nail,  black.  Legs,  dark 
brown;  feet,  bluish  gray;  webs,  dusky.  Total  length,  18  inches; 
wing,  10;  culmen,  ly4^;  tarsus,  i-J-. 

Adult  Female.— Head  and  neck,  rusty,  varying  in  depth 
among  individuals,  speckled  with  black;  occasionally,  the  top  of 
the  head  being  nearly  all  black.  Upper  parts,  dusky  brown, 
feathers  margined  with  grayish.  Wings,  grayish  brown.  Specu- 
lum, dull  black;  outer  web  of  tertials  edged  with  white,  the  outer- 
most one  with  outer  web  all  white.  Primaries,  fuscous  on  outer 
webs,  light  buff  on  inner,  metallic  green  at  tips.  Upper  tail 
coverts,  rufous  brown.  Tail,  purplish  brown,  feathers  edged 
with  white.  Breast  and  flanks,  light  rufous;  the  former  spotted, 
the  latter  barred  with  dark  brown.  Rest  of  under  parts,  white, 
the  under  tail  coverts  barred  with  blackish  brown.  Iris,  brown. 
Bill,  bluish  black.  Legs  and  feet,  dark  brown.  Total  length,  18 
inches;  wing,  io|;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  \\. 


WIDGEON. 

HpHE  Widgeon  fs  distributed  at  different  seasons  of  the 
year  throughout  North  America,  from  the  Arctic 
Ocean  south  to  Guatemala  and  Cuba,  and  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  In  its  neat  dress  of  attractive 
colors,  some  of  which  exhibit  a  metallic  sheen  like  bur- 
nished metal,  the  male  is  one  of  the  handsomest  of  our 
Water  Fowl,  and  his  demure,  modest  little  consort  is  no 
less  engaging  in  her  appearance,  although  not  so  bril- 
liantly arrayed.  The  Bald-Pate,  another  name  by  which 
it  is  known,  breeds  from  the  Arctic  Sea  as  far  south  as  the 
State  of  Texas,  and  generally  nests  in  rather  high  grdtmd 
in  the  midst  of  trees  or  low  bushes,  and  is  not  particular 
about  being  near  water.  Its  nest  is  lined  with  down,  and 
the  eggs  are  covered  when  the  female  goes  off  for  any 
purpose.  They  are  laid  in  May,  and  resemble  those 
of  the  Pintail  somewhat,  and  are  a  pale  buffy  white. 
The  male  moults  while  the  female  is  incubating. 
She'takes  her  turn  later.  About  the  latter  part  of  Sep- 
tember the  young  are  nearly  full  grown,  and  those  that 
have  bred  in  the  far  North  commence  their  lojig  journey 
southward.  Widgeon  are  generally  observed  in  small 
flocks  of  from  six'to  two  dozen,  although  occasionally 
great  numbers  have  been  seen  assembled  together,  but 
this  is  rare.  They  go  much  with  the  Canvas  Back  and 
Red  Head,  and  when  these  dive  in  the  deep  water. and 
bring  to  the  .surface  tender  grasses  and  succulent  roots, 
the  Widgeon  are  very  busy  indeed  stealing  these  de- 
sired objects  from  their  rightful  owners,  and  grow  very 
fat  on  the  fruits  of  such  pilfering  habits. 


WIDGEON,  119 

It  is  essentially  a  fresh-water  species,  and  keeps  to 
lakes  and  rivers,  and  when  these  freeze  resorts  to  sounds 
within  the  beach,  where  the  water  may  be  brackish,  or 
travels  on  southward  to  milder  climes.  The  Widgeon 
is  one  of  the  wariest  of  our  Ducks,  suspicious  of  every- 
thing, and  not  only  is  unwilling  to  approach  any  spot  or 
object  of  which  it  is  afraid,  but,  by  keeping  up  a  contin-. 
ued  whistling,  alarms  all  the  other  Ducks  in  the  vicinity, 
and  consequently  renders  itself  very  disagreeable  and 
at  times  a  considerable  nuisance  to  the  sportsman.  How- 
ever, its  flesh  is  so  tender  and  palatable,  and  it  is  such  a 
pretty  and  gamy  bird,  that  one  is  inclined  to  forgive  many 
of  its  apparent  shortcomings.  The  usual  note  of  this 
Duck  is  a  low,  soft  whistle,  very  melodious  in  quality,  and 
when  on  the  wing  the  members  of  a  flock  keep  continu- 
ally talking  to  each  other  in  this  sweet  tone  as  they  speed 
along.  They  fly  very  rapidly,  and  usually  high  in  the 
air,  in  a  long,  outstretched  line,  all  abreast,  except,  per- 
haps, the  two  ends  are  a  little  behind  the  center  bird,  who 
may  be  considered  the  leader.  When  only  moving  from 
place  to  place  in  the  marsh,  and  but  a  short  distance 
above  the  ground,  they  proceed  usually  without  any 
order  or  regularity,  reminding  one  sometimes  of  a  flock 
of  pigeons.  The  pinions  are  moved  with  much  quick- 
ness, and  the  long  primaries  give  a  sharp-pointed  shape 
to  the  wing  that  causes  the  birds  to  be  easily  recognized. 
Flocks  composed  of  a  number  of  Widgeon  and  Sprig- 
tail  are  often  seen,  and  the  combination  is  a  very  un- 
favorable one  to  a  sportsman  who  may  be  hoping  for  a 
quiet  shot  at  close  range. 

As  the  birds  approach  the  decoys  some  Widgeon  will 
whistle  and  edge  out  to  one  side,  as  much  as  to  say,  "  It 
may  be  all  right,  but  I  don't  like  the  looks  of  it,"  and  he 
will  be  followed  by  another  suspicious  member.  Then 


120  WATER  FOWL. 

the  Pintails  become  uneasy  and  begin  to  climb  and  look 
down  into  the  blind,  and  the  patient  watcher  sees  the 
flocks  too  often  sheer  off  to  one  side  and  pass  him  by. 
But  should  there  be  some  birds  present,  as  often  hap- 
pens, which  are  heedless  of  all  warnings  or  suspicious 
titterings,  and  keep  steadily  on,  with  the  evident 
intention  to  settle  among  their  supposed  brethren, 
then,  as  they  gather  together  preparatory  to  alight,  and 
the  sportsman  rises  in  his  ambush,  suddenly  the  air  is 
filled  with  darting,  climbing  birds,  who  shoot  off  in  every 
direction,  but  generally  upward  as  if  the  flock  was  blown 
asunder,  and  all  disappear  with  a  celerity  that  is  astonish- 
ing, and,  to  a  nervous  sportsman,  with  results  that  are 
mortifying. 

In  various  parts  of  the  country  this  Duck  is  known  by 
many  names  other  than  those  already  given,  some  of 
which  are  Poacher,  Wheat  Duck,  Bald-Crown  and  Bald- 
faced  Widgeon,  Green-headed  Widgeon,  Zan-Zan,  etc., 
but  among  most  of  the  sporting  fraternity  it  is  called 
simply  Widgeon  or  Bald-Pate. 

MARECA  AMERICANA. 

Geogrdphical  Distribution. — Throughout  North  America,  from 
the  Arctic  Ocean  to  Guatemala  and  Cuba.  Breeds  throughout 
its  range,  but  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States. 

Adult  Male.— Forehead  and  top  of  head,  white.  Behind  the 
eye  a  lengthened,  broad  patch  of  metallic  green,  extending 
down  hind  neck.  Rest  of  head  and  neck,  whitish  or  buff, 
thickly  speckled  with  black.  Back  and  scapulars,  vinaceous, 
undulated  with  black,  and,  on  some  feathers,  also  with  white. 
Wing  coverts,  white;  the  greater  ones  tipped  with  black,  forming 
a  bar  across  the  wing.  Secondaries,  black,  some  glossed  with 
metallic  green,  forming  a  green  and  black  speculum.  Long 
tertials,  pointed,  dusky  gray  on  inner  web,  black  edged  with 
white  on  the  outer.  Under  wing  coverts,  gray;  axillae,  white. 
Primaries,  fawn,  shading  into  glossy  brown  on  outer  webs  and 
near  tips.  Rump  and  median  upper  tail  coverts,  gray,  waved 


WIDGEON.  121 

with  black  and  edged  with  white.  Outer  coverts,  black.  Breast 
and  sides  vinaceous,  the  inner  feathers  of  the  latter  undulated 
with  black.  Lower  breast  and  abdomen,  pure  white.  Under 
tail  coverts,  black.  Tail,  fuscous,  edged  with  whitish.  Bill, 
pale  grayish  blue;  tip,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  plumbeous  or 
bluish  gray.  Webs,  dusky.  Total  length,  about  19  inches;  wing, 
io£;  culmen,  i-J-;  tarsus,  1-J-. 

Young  Male. — Very  similar  to  the  female,  but  the  colors  of  a 
deeper  and  richer  hue,  the  breast  and  flanks  being  more  vinace- 
ous, and  the  markings  of  the  wings  more  clearly  denned.  The 
coverts,  though  dusky  in  part,  have  much  more  white,  and  the 
white  edges  of  the  tertials  are  exhibited.  The  head  is  much 
darker  as  a  rule.  There  is  a  considerable  individual  variation 
seen  in  this  species,  especially  among  adults  of,  I  may  say,  both 
sexes.  The  coloring  of  the  head  and  neck  is  frequently  different, 
and  this  is  observable  among  old  males  on  the  top  of  the  head, 
and  in  the  extent  and  depth  of  the  green  behind  the  eye,  and  along 
the  center  of  the  hind  neck.  The  female  has  some  resemblance 
to  that  of  the  Gad  wall,  but  she  can  generally  be  distinguished 
by  the  coloring  of  the  speculum;  the  Gad  wall's  being  mostly 
grayish,  while  that  of  the  present  species  is  black  and  green. 

Adult  Female. — Top  of  head  black,  feathers  margined  with 
white.  Forehead,  sides  of  head,  neck,  and  throat,  whitish  or 
buffy  white,  speckled  and  streaked  with  dusky.  Upper  parts, 
dusky,  barred  with  buff  or  ochraceous.  Wing  coverts,  mostly 
gray,  edged  with  white;  the  apical  half  of  the  outer  webs  of 
greater  coverts,  white,  with  black  tips  forming  a  bar,  succeeded 
by  the  metallic  green  and  black  of  the  secondaries,  making  the 
speculum.  Primaries,  dusky,  fawn  color  near  the  shafts.  Rump 
and  upper  tail  coverts,  dusky,  margined  with  white.  Upper  breast 
and  sides,  reddish  buff  or  dull  vinaceous,  the  latter  barred  with 
dusky,  and  indistinct  dusky  blotches  on  the  breast.  Rest  of 
under  parts,  white.  Under  tail  coverts,  barred  with  black  and 
white.  Tail,  dusky,  margined  with  whitish.  Bill,  legs,  and  feet, 
colored  like  the  male.  Total  length,  about  18  inches;  wing,  io&; 
culmen,  IT45;  tarsus,  i^. 

Downy  Young. — Top  of  head,  back  of  neck,  and  upper  parts, 
dark  olive  brown;  rest  of  head  and  neck,  with  lower  parts  ful- 
vous. A  dusky  streak  from  bill,  through  eye  to  occiput.  Spots 
on  posterior  border  of  wing,  and  on  each  side  of  back  and  rump, 
greenish  buff. 


SPRIGTAIL. 

T^HIS  is  another  cosmopolitan  species,  and  ranges  in 
the  northern  hemisphere,  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of 
America  across  the  continent  and  through  the  Old  World 
eastward  to  Japan.  It  is  one  of  the  most  common 
Ducks  found  in  Alaska,  and  along  the  mighty  river,  the 
Yukon,  they  nest  in  May.  Mr.  Nelson,  whose  oppor- 
tunities for  watching  many  species  of  birds  during  their 
breeding  season  in  the  Arctic  regions  have  been  numer- 
ous, describes  the  peculiar  habits  of  the  Pintail  at  that 
time.  The  female  rises  in  the  air  with  the  male  in  quick 
pursuit,  and  the  pair  fly  -back  and  forth  with  incredible 
speed,  performing  many  quick  and  varied  evolutions,  be- 
ing at  one  moment  almost  out  of  sight  overhead  and  the 
next  just  skimming  above  the  ground.  The  first  male 
would  soon  be  joined  by  others,  all  anxious  to  obtain  the 
fair  prize,  but  none  keeps  as  close  to  the  coy  female  as 
the  original  pursuer,  and  so  dexterous  is  she  in  her  rapid 
movements  that  even  he  can  get  near  her  only  occa- 
sionally. When  he  does,  however,  he  keeps  beneath  her, 
so  closely  that  their  swiftly  moving  wings  rattle  to- 
gether like  castanets,  the  noise  thus  made  being  audible 
for  a  long  distance.  This  performance  is  kept  up  for  per- 
haps half  an  hour,  and  all  the  other  males  having  been 
distanced  in  the  race,  the  original  pair  settle  in  one  of  the 
ponds.  At  this  season  this  Duck  has  a  habit  akin  to  the 
drumming  of  the  Snipe.  Having  risen  to  a  great  height, 
the  wings  are  held  stiffly  and  curved  downward,  and  the 
bird  descends  with  the  swiftness  of  a  meteor,  producing 


SPRIG  TAIL.  123 

a  sound  at  first  like  a  low  murmur,  succeeded  by  a  hiss, 
and  then,  as  the  bird  sweeps  close  along  the  ground  in  a 
gliding  course,  it  assumes  almost  the  proportions  of  a  roar. 
Sometimes  this  noise  accompanying  the  Duck's  passage 
through  the  air  is  heard  for  a  number  of  seconds  before 
the  bird  comes  into  view,  so  high  has  it  ascended. 

The  females  of  this  species  are,  Mr.  Nelson  believes, 
polyandrous,  for  he  has  seen  one  preceded  by  two  males 
as  she  flew  along,  and  at  short  intervals  she  would  halt 
slightly,  draw  back  her  head,  and  utter  a  loud  nasal 
quack.  It  is  a  common  occurrence  for  a  female,  when 
chased  by  several  males,  to  plunge  at  full  speed  under 
water,  followed  by  hc.r  pursuers,  and  all  suddenly  rise  and 
take  wing  a  short  distance  beyond. 

The  Pintail  breeds  in  northern  latitudes  of  both  hemi- 
spheres, also  in  Manitoba  and  the  northern  tier  of  States, 
occasionally  as  far  south  as  Colorado,  and  is  among  the 
first  of  the  Water  Fowl  to  commence  the  duties  of  incu- 
bation; but  this  important  function  varies,  apparently, 
according  to  the  degrees  of  latitude,  beginning  later  in 
the  most  northern  sections.  The  nest,  composed  simply 
of  dry  grass  and  twigs  and  lined  with  feathers,  is  placed 
in  some  thick  grass,  at  the  foot  of  a  willow,  under  a 
bush,  or  in  some  similar  spot  where  concealment  is 
equally  secured,  and  from  six  to  twelve  pale  olive  green, 
rather  small  eggs  are  deposited.  The  young  appear 
during  June  or  early  in  July,  according  to  the  locality, 
and  the  parents  lead  them  immediately  to  the  water,  from 
which  the  nest  is  never  far  removed,  and  they  remain 
about  the  marshes,  keeping  themselves  well  concealed 
from  observation  until  able  to  fly.  The  males  moult  at 
this  time;  the  females  somewThat  later. 

In  summer  the  Pintail  utters  a  low,  mellow  whistle, 
and  also,  in  addition  to  the  hoarse,  guttural  quack,  a 


124  WATER  FOWL. 

rolling  note,  similar  to  that  uttered  by  the  little  Scaup 
and  some  other  Ducks,  and  which  can  be  imitated  by  a 
rapid  vibration  of  the  tongue,  at  the  same  time  trying  to 
utter  the  letter  R.  The  Pintail  visits  the  interior  of 
Alaska  as  well  as  the  sea-coast,  and  frequents  the  pools 
on  the  flats.  It  is  also  found  on  various  islands  of  the 
Aleutian  chain.  On  the  eastern  side  of  North  America 
this  species  is  very  abundant  in  summer  on  the  Barren 
Grounds  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Anderson,  where  it 
breeds. 

On  its  autumn  migration  southward  the  Pintail  makes 
its  appearance  in  the  United  States,  (provided  that  it  has 
not  remained  within  our  borders  during  the  summer),  the 
latter  part  of  September  or  beginning  of  October,  coming 
down  with  the  other  "big"  Ducks, like  the  Widgeon, Gad- 
wall,  etc.,  from  its  northern  breeding  grounds.  On  its 
first  arrival  it  is  usually  tame  and  unsuspicious,  as  there 
is  a  large  proportion  of  young  birds  in  the  flocks  which 
have  yet  to  make  the  acquaintance  of  man  and  his  ne- 
farious ways.  At  this  time  they  come  readily  to  decoys, 
and  exhibit  little  of  that  wariness  so  conspicuously  mani- 
fested later  in  the  season. 

The  lakes  and  rivers  of  the  western  country  becom- 
ing frozen,  the  Pintail,  in  company  with  the  vast  army 
of  Water  Fowl,  now  yearly  lessened  in  numbers, 
moves  onward  to  the  milder  clime  of  the  Sunny  South, 
or  diverges  across  the  country  to  the  shores  of  the  great 
oceans.  On  the  Atlantic  coast  multitudes  pass  the  win- 
ter in  the  sounds  lying  just  within  the  beach  of  North 
Carolina  and  adjacent  States,  where  the  usually  open 
winter  permits  them  to  indulge  in  their  usual  avoca- 
tions without  interruption.  Should,  however,  a  cold 
norther  freeze  the  marshes  and  open  water,  they  depart 
temporarily  on  a  brief  trip  southward,  returning  again  as 


SPRIGTAIL.  125 

soon  as  the  weather  moderates.  By  the  time  they  have 
reached  these  winter  quarters  the  birds  have  become 
"  educated,"  have  learned  the  danger  of  man's  presence, 
and  are  generally  very  shy  and  suspicious.  When  coming 
to  decoys,  after  many  hesitating  advances,  they  are  apt  to 
rise  to  a  considerable  height  in  the  air,  and  look  down 
into  the  blind,  and  not  liking  the  disclosures  there  made, 
keep  on  their  course,  usually  out  of  gunshot.  If  they  have 
seen  nothing  to  cause  alarm  and  they  come  up  to  the 
decoys,  on  the  appearance  of  the  sportsman  as  he  rises 
from  his  crouching  position,  the  birds  seem  to  throw 
themselves  directly  upward  at  a  great  speed,  with  the 
result  of  causing  any  but  an  experienced  gunner  to  shoot 
beneath  them. 

Their  flight  is  very  rapid,  performed  by  quick  beats 
of  the  wings,  and  the  long  necks  of  these  Ducks  make 
them  easily  recognizable  when  in  the  air.  On  the 
water  the  Sprig  swims  gracefully,  arching  its  neck 
and  holding  back  its  head  like  a  miniature  Swan, 
and  presents  a  pretty  picture  as  the  sun  glances  on 
the  variegated  coloring  of  the  head  and  neck  of  the  male. 
As  a  diver  the  Sprigtail  is  only  a  partial  success.  It 
can  go  under  water,  though  it  cannot  stay  long,  but 
skulks  with  great  skill,  stretching  out  the  neck  to  the 
fullest  extent  and  laying  it  and  the  head  flat  upon  the 
surface.  At  a  little  distance,  unless  there  is  a  complete 
calm,  it  is  very  difficult  to  be  seen  when  it  assumes  such 
a  position.  Beside  the  names  already  applied  to  it  in  this 
article,  this  Duck  is  known  in  various  parts  of  our  coun- 
try as  Spiketail,  Spindletail,  Spreettail,  Pigeontail,  Pian 
Queue  in  Louisiana,  Water  Pheasant,  and  Smee.  Un- 
doubtedly it  has  other  local  names  besides  these. 


126  WATER  FOWL. 


DAFILA   A  CUT  A. 

Geographical  Distribution.— Cosmopolitan.  In  North  Amer- 
ica it  ranges  from  Alaska  to  Panama  and  Cuba.  Breeds  from 
northern  United  States  to  limit  of  its  northern  range. 

Adult  Mate.— Head  and  upper  neck,  hair  brown,  darkest  on 
the  crown,  "where  it  is  often  a  rusty  brown.  Sides  of  occiput 
with  metallic  green  and  purple  reflections.  Upper  part  of  hind 
neck,  black;  lower  part,  dusky,  minutely  waved  with  white.  A 
white  stripe,  beginning  at  the  upper  edge  of  black  portion, 
passes  down  the  sides  of  the  neck,  and  is  confluent  with  the 
white  of  the  under  parts.  Back,  and  sides  of  flank,  waved  with 
narrow  white  and  dusky  lines.  Tertials,  silvery  gray,  with 
a  central  black  stripe  ;  long  scapulars,  black,  edged  with  buff  or 
whitish.  Wing  coverts,  glossy  brownish  gray,  last  row  tipped 
with  cinnamon,  forming  a  bar  across  the  wing.  Speculum, 
bronze,  changing  from  green  to  copper  according  to  the  light, 
with  a  subterminal  black  bar  and  white  tip.  Under  parts,  pure 
white,  sometimes  blotched  with  rust  color.  Sides  and  flanks 
crossed  with  narrow  bars  of  white  and  dusky.  Lengthened 
upper  tail  coverts,  black,  edged  with  white  on  inner  webs.  Tail 
feathers,  pointed,  dark  brown  on  outer  webs,  gray  on  inner,  the 
long  central  pair  narrow  and  pointed  and  extending  beyond  the 
others,  black.  Under  tail  coverts,  black,  the  external  ones  hav- 
ing white  outer  webs,  forming  a  line  on  each  side.  Iris,  dark 
brown.  Bill  bluish  gray,  blackish  toward  tip;  lead  color  toward 
the  edges.  Legs  and  feet,  brownish  gray.  Length,  about  26 
inches;  wing,  io|;  culmen,  2^;  tarsus,  iT60;  tail,  7;  bill,  2. 

Adult  Female. — Top  of  head,  rufous  streaked  with  black. 
Rest  of  head,  whitish  or  yellowish  white,  finely  streaked  with 
dusky.  Back  of  neck,  dusky,  streaked  with  buff;  chin  and 
throat,  whitish;  upper  parts,  dusky,  crossed  with  irregular,  often 
U-shaped,  bars  of  yellowish  white,  or  ochraceous,  these  last 
being  mostly  on  middle  of  back.  Wing  coverts,  brownish  gray 
tipped  with  white.  Under  parts,  white,  streaked  with  dusky. 
Sides  and  flanks  with  broad  V-  or  U-shaped  marks  of  glossy 
grayish  brown.  Upper  tail  coverts,  irregularly  blotched  with 
black  and  white.  Tail,  dark  brownish  gray  irregularly  barred 
with  white.  Bill,  bluish  gray,  blackish  on  top.  Legs  and  feet, 
lead  color.  Length,  about  20  inches;  wing,  9^;  culmen,  i-j^; 
tarsus,  i^j. 


SPRIGTAIL.  127 

Adult  Male  in  Moulting  Plumage. — Like  the  adult  female, 
but  darker,  and  exhibiting  a  brilliant  speculum. 

Young. — Also  like  the  female,  the  males  always  distinguishable 
from  the  females  by  having  a  speculum  on  the  wing. 

Downy  Young.— Crown  of  head,  back  of  neck,  and  upper 
parts,  olive  brown,  with  a  dull  white  stripe  on  each  side  of  back. 
Yellowish  white  stripe  over  eye,  and  a  brown  one  through  the 
eye  from  bill,  and  a  spot  of  the  same  color  over  the  ears.  Lores, 
brownish.  Under  parts,  grayish  white. 


BLUE-WINGED   TEAL. 

V/fORE  restricted  in  its  range  than  the  Green-Winged 
Teal,  the  present  species,  sometimes  called  Sum- 
mer Teal  and  White-faced  Duck  (Printempsnierre  in  the 
spring,  and  Automnierre  in  the  autumn  in  Louisiana), 
is  found  chiefly  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  where  it  is  very 
abundant,  and  throughout  the  eastern  portion  of  the 
United  States.  It  is  rare  in  Alaska,  and  is  accidental  on 
the  Pacific  coast  north  of  the  Gulf  of  California,  save, 
perhaps,  in  summer,  when  it  occasionally  appears  upon 
the  Alaskan  coast.  In  winter  it  goes  south  to  the  West 
Indies  and  northern  South  America.  The  Blue-winged 
Teal  breeds  in  various  portions  of  the  eastern  States  of 
the  Union,  and  also  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  is 
one  of  the  first  of  the  great  host  of  the  Duck  tribe  to 
appear  in  the  annual  migration  southward. 

This  Teal  nests  on  low  land,  usually  near  the  water, 
amid  reeds  and  high  grass  growing  in  such  situations. 
In  the  center  of  a  mass  of  rushes  and  coarse  grass  a 
quantity  of  down  and  feathers  is  placed,  and  upon  this 
sometimes  as  many  as  twelve  white  eggs  are  deposited. 
This  Duck  is  a  lover  of  mild  climates  and  soft  airs,  and 
is  never  seen  when  ice  and  snow  abound,  unless  some 
such  calamity  as  a  severe  frost  has  suddenly  come  upon 
the  southern  land  in  which  it  is  passing  the  winter. 
Early  in  September  the  flocks  gather  in  the  northern  part 
of  the  Union,  preparatory  to  their  departure  on  their 
southern  journey, while  those  which  have  passed  the  sum- 
mer north  of  our  borders  commence  to  appear  within  the 
128 


BLUE-WINGED    TEAL.  129 

United  States.  They  come  in  large  flocks,  and  frequent 
the  inland  lakes  and  rivers,  feeding  upon  insects  and 
tender  plants  and  grasses.  Wherever  the  wild  rice 
grows,  there,  in  autumn,  are  these  Teal  found,  and  they 
scatter  themselves  throughout  the  matted  growth 
of  this  plant,  which  frequently  spreads  over  a  large 
portion  of  the  bottoms  of  many  of  our  western 
lakes  and  rivers.  Here  the  Teal  are  safe  so  long 
as  they  remain  in  the  interior  of  the  beds,  for 
nothing  of  the  earth  or  air  can  reach  them  as 
they  paddle  about  hidden  in  the  deep  recesses  of 
the  wild  rice.  They  feed  upon  the  ripened  grains 
that  fall  upon  the  water,  or  dig  them  out  of  the 
mud  upon  the  bottom,  and  become  exceedingly  fat.  I 
know  no  better  bird  for  the  table  than  a  Blue-winged 
Teal  fattened  upon  wild  rice.  Many  are  killed  by 
sportsmen  stationing  themselves  just  within  the  bor- 
ders of  these  rice  beds,  and  shooting  the  birds  as  they  fly 
over  or  around,  looking  for  a  favorable  place  to  settle. 
When  feeding  the  members  of  a  flock  keep  as  near  to- 
gether as  possible,  and  rarely  utter  any  sound,  each  one 
too  intent  apparently  upon  his  own  affairs  to  indulge  in 
the  pleasures  of  conversation.  When  startled  it  rises 
from  the  water  by  a  single  spring,  and  the  flight  is  ex- 
ceedingly rapid,  and  it  has  the  habit  of  turning  alter- 
nately to  the  observer  the  upper  and  lower  surface  of  the 
body  as  it  speeds  along,  rolling,  in  fact,  in  a  similar  man- 
ner to  a  boat  in  the  trough  of  the  waves.  This  species 
utters  at  times  a  lisping  note  when  on  the  wing,  and 
should  it  perceive  a  desirable  place  for  feeding,  or  a  num- 
ber of  its  fellows  congregated  together,  it  drops  suddenly 
into  the  water,  without  making  any  elaborate  prepara- 
tion to  alight,  but  simply  stops  at  once.  I  have  never 
found  it  a  shy  bird,  for  it  usually  allowed  me  to  approach 


13°  WATEX  FOWL. 

closely  without  showing  any  especial  alarm,  and  it  always 
came  boldly  in  to  the  decoys,  and,  if  permitted,  settled 
among  them  in  full  confidence,  and  began  to  swim  about 
its  supposed  brethren  quite  at  home  and  contented. 
When  on  the  water  this  Teal  swims  with  much  buoyancy, 
and  the  flocks,  like  those  of  the  Green-winged  Teal,  are 
compacted  together  so  closely  that  the  members  would 
seem  to  be  in  each  other's  way  as  they  floated  along.  In 
February  the  movement  toward  northern  climes  begins, 
and,  like  all  Ducks  at  this  season,  they  are  poor  in  flesh 
and  should  never  be  shot.  The  male  has  assumed  the 
summer  dress,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  among  the  Duck 
tribe,  and  the  pure  white  crescent  before  the  eye  makes 
him  very  conspicuous  as  he  paddles  about  the  ponds  and 
inlets,  or  wanders  over  the  muddy  bars  in  quest  of  food. 
Like  its  relatives,  the  Blue-winged  Teal  walks  easily  and 
well,  and  is  able  even  to  run  quite  rapidly. 

QUERQUEDULA    DISCO RS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America,  but  chiefly  in 
the  eastern  portion;  Alaska,  and  south  to  the  West  Indies,  and 
northern  South  America.  Occasional  in  California.  Breeds 
from  Kansas  northward. 

Adult  Male. — Top  of  head,  black,  feathers  edged  with 
ochraceous.  Chin  and  space  along  base  of  bill,  black.  A  large 
crescent-shaped  band,  white  edged  with  black,  goes  from  the 
forehead  ip  front  of  the  eye  to  the  throat.  Rest  of  head  and 
neck,  dull  plumbeous,  with  a  metallic  purple  gloss  on  the  occi- 
put. Back,  dusky,  with  U-shaped  bars  of  buff.  Long  scapulars, 
greenish  black,  with  a  central  stripe  of  buff.  Lesser  wing 
coverts  and  outer  webs  of  some  scapulars,  pale  blue.  Greater 
coverts,  dusky,  with  white  tips  forming  a  bar  in  front  of  the 
speculum,  which  is  metallic  grass  green.  Lower  back,  upper 
tail  coverts,  and  tail,  dusky,  feathers  of  the  last  two  margined 
with  whitish.  A  white  patch  on  each  side  of  the  tail.  Entire 
under  parts  and  sides,  reddish  buff,  inclined  to  pale  chestnut  on 


BLUE-WINGED    TEAL.  131 

lower  breast.  Under  tail  coverts,  black.  Bill,  black.  Iris, 
brown.  Legs  and  feet,  yellow,  with  the  web  dusky.  Total 
length,  15  inches;  wing,  7^;  culraen,  i-/ff;  tarsus,  iT3u. 

Adult  Female. — Top  of  head,  black,  remainder  of  head  and 
neck,  brownish  white,  speckled  or  streaked  with  dusky.  Chin, 
throat,  and  base  of  bill,  white.  Upper  parts,  dusky,  barred  with 
V-shaped  buff  marks.  Wing  coverts,  blue,  like  the  male,  but 
the  green  speculum  is  wanting.  Upper  tail  coverts  and  tail  like 
the  male.  Under  parts,  pinkish  buff  on  the  breast,  with  dusky 
V-shaped  marks,  remaining  portion  white  indistinctly  spotted 
with  dusky,  most  numerous  on  the  under  tail  coverts.  Bill, 
greenish  black.  Legs  and  feet,  pale  flesh  color.  Total  length, 
15  inches;  wing,  7;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  \\, 

Young  Male. — Similar  to  female  on  head,  neck,  and  upper 
parts.  The  white  throat  is  speckled  with  dusky.  The  green 
speculum  is  visible,  and  the  under  parts  are  like  the  adult  male, 
with  the  flank  feathers  broadly  barred  with  dusky. 

Young.— Like  adult  female,  but  with  a  pure  white  belly  and 
grayish  brown  speculum. 


CINNAMON  TEAL. 

'"PHIS  rather  handsome  bird  is  restricted  to  the  western 
portion  of  North  America,  from  the  Columbia  River, 
along  the  Pacific  coast,  south  to  Chili,  and  eastward  to  the 
Argentine  Republic  and  the  Falkland  Islands.  Occa- 
sionally it  straggles  into  the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  has 
even  been  known  to  go  as  far  eastward  as  Florida,  but 
such  occurrences  are  extremely  rare  and  can  only  be  re- 
garded in  the  same  light  as  would  be  the  appearance  of 
some  European  species  taken  within  our  limits.  In  the 
United  States  the  Cinnamon  Teal  is  essentially  a  western 
bird,  particularly  numerous  in  California,  where  it  is 
found  in  flocks  of  considerable  size,  and  associates  with 
other  fresh-water  Ducks.  It  goes  in  summer  as  far 
north  as  the  upper  part  of  the  Columbia  River,  and  has 
been  found  nesting  in  Idaho,  and  breeds  in  various  parts 
of  Colorado.  It  is  abundant  also  in  the  great  Salt  Lake 
Valley. 

The  breeding  season  commences  in  May,  about  the 
middle  of  the  month.  The  nest  is  composed  of  grass, 
lined  with  down  and  feathers,  and  placed  upon  the 
ground,  generally  in  the  vicinity  of  water,  and  about  a 
dozen  creamy-white  eggs  are  deposited.  In  its  habits 
this  species  does  not  differ  appreciably  from  its  eastern 
ally,  the  Blue-winged  Teal.  It  flies  as  swiftly,  rises  as 
suddenly  from  the  water  when  startled,  and  is  as  palatable 
as  an  article  of  food.  It  would  seem  that  South  America 
was  more  naturally  its  home,  and  its  dispersion  is  great- 
est on  that  continent,  and  that  the  western  section  of  our 
132 


CINNAMON   TEAL.  133 

own  land  was  but  an  outlying  district  of  its  true  habitat. 
The  male  is  a  handsome  bird  in  his  purplish  chestnut 
dress. 

Q  UER  Q  UED  ULA    C  YA  NOP  TERA . 

Geographical  Distribution.— Western.  America,  from  British 
Columbia  south  to  Chili,  Patagonia,  and  the  Falkland  Islands; 
east  to  southern  Texas;  casual  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  certain  of  the  eastern  States  as  far  as  Florida. 

Adult  Male —Top  of  head,  blackish  chestnut.  Rest  of  head, 
neck,  and  lower  parts,  uniform  bright  chestnut.  Back,  rump, 
upper  tail  coverts,  and  tail,  fuscous  with  light  edges.  Scapulars, 
chestnut  barred  with  black,  the  long  ones,  black  with  a  buff 
central  stripe,  and  pointed.  Wing  coverts  and  outer  webs  of 
some  scapulars,  pale  blue.  Tips  of  greater  wing  coverts,  white, 
making  a  bar  above  the  bronzy  green  speculum.  Under  tail 
coverts,  blackish.  Bill,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  orange;  webs, 
dusky.  Iris,  orange.  Total  length,  about  17  inches;  wing,  7$; 
culmen,  IT%;  tarsus,  i£. 

Adult  Female. — Similar  to  the  female  of  the  Blue-winged 
Teal,  but  more  reddish.  The  sides  of  head  and  throat,  deep 
buff,  and  the  back,  fuscous,  the  feathers  edged  with  pale  buff  as 
in  Q.  discors.  The  entire  under  parts  are  light  brown,  inclining 
to  rufous  on  upper  breast,  which  is  spotted  with  black  or  dusky; 
rest  of  under  parts  indistinctly  barred  with  chestnut  on  abdomen, 
and  with  nebulous  dusky  spots  on  anal  region  and  under  tail 
coverts.  Wings  as  in  female  Q .  discors,  but  with  a  speculum 
faintly  defined,  of  dark  green.  Bill,  dusky,  pale  on  the  edges. 
Iris,  brown.  Feet,  yellowish  drab.  Total  length,  about  i6£ 
inches;  wing,  6T85;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  I-&. 

Young  Male. — Like  female,  but  under  parts  streaked  instead 
of  spotted. 

Downy  Young. — Top  of  head,  hind  neck,  and  upper  parts, 
olivaceous,  darkest  on  the  head;  forehead,  stripe  over  the  eye, 
sides  of  head  and  lower  parts,  yellowish  buff.  A  narrow  dark 
brown  stripe  on  sides  of  head,  greenish  buff  spots  on  sides  of 
back,  and  yellowish  spots  on  sides  of  rump. 


EUROPEAN  TEAL. 

'"PHIS  well-known  resident  of  the  northern  portions  of 
the  Old  World  bears  a  very  close  resemblance  to 
the  Green-winged  Teal  of  our  own  land.  It  is  only  a 
straggler  within  our  limits,  individuals  having  been 
taken  occasionally  on  the  northern  part  of  the  Atlantic 
coast,  waifs  probably  from  Greenland,  where  it  is  some- 
times found,  which  have  wandered  down  our  shores  in- 
stead of  taking  their  legitimate  route  to  the  Eastern 
Hemisphere.  The  European  Teal  also  occurs  at  times 
in  the  Aleutian  Islands,  and  Mr.  Turner  procured  a 
specimen  on  Atkha.  It  is  probably  a  summer  visitant 
to  that  chain  of  islands,  and  may  breed  there.  Although 
I  have  never  met  with  this  species  alive  in  North 
America,  I  have  frequently  seen  it  in  the  markets  of  New 
York  hanging  with  other  ducks  procured  along  the 
shores  of  Long  Island  and  other  near  points  upon  the 
coast.  While  possessing  a  number  of  differences  more 
or  less  pronounced  from  the  American  species,  it  is 
mainly  recognizable  by  the  absence  of  the  conspicuous 
white  bar  on  each  side  of  the  breast,  which  is  an  especial 
feature  in  the  plumage  of  our  Green-winged  Teal.  In 
the  Old  World  this  Teal  is  generally  distributed  from 
the  British  Islands  to  China  and  Japan.  It  can  be  do- 
mesticated without  difficulty,  bears  confinement  well,  and 
breeds  readily  if  suitable  locations  are  provided  for  it. 
It  is  a  very  pretty  species,  and  does  not  differ  in  economy 
and  habits  from  our  own  bird. 


EUROPEAN    TEAL.  135 


NETTION  CRECCA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  the  Old 
World.  Occasional  in  North  America. 

Adult  Male. — Very  similar  in  plumage  to  the  American  Green- 
winged  Teal,  but  with  the  following  differences:  Green  band  be- 
hind the  eye,  bordered  anteriorly  with  yellowish  white,  more 
conspicuous  than  in  the  American  species;  there  is  no  white  bar 
in  front  of  the  bend  of  the  wing.  The  black  and  white  undula- 
tions on  back  and  sides  are  much  coarser;  the  outer  scapulars 
have  the  inner  webs  entirely,  and  the  outer  partly,  white,  or  yel- 
lowish-white, while  the  exposed  portions  of  outer  webs  are  black, 
forming  two  broad  stripes  down  the  wing,  the  inner  white,  outer 
black.  The  remainder  of  the  plumage  is  practically  indistin- 
guishable from  N.  carolinensis,  the  American  species.  Bill, 
black.  Legs  and  feet,  brownish  gray.  Total  length,  14  inches; 
wing,  7;  culmen,  \\\  tarsus,  i£. 

Adult  Female. — Very  like  the  same  sex  in  the  American 
Green-winged  Teal,  so  much  so  that  anyone  might  be  excused 
for  confounding  them.  The  back  is  fuscous,  but  the  bars  and 
margins  of  the  feathers  are  throughout  of  a  deeper  hue,  more 
generally  ochraceous  than  buff.  The  sides  of  the  head,  neck, 
and  throat  are  deep  buff,  much  darker  than  the  same  parts  in  its 
American  ally.  These  seem  to  be  the  only  tangible  differences 
in  the  specimens  before  me,  and  they  may  be  to  a  great  extent 
individual,  and  the  only  way  that  a  specimen  of  a  female  can  be 
determined  with  any  certainty  is  to  have  the  locality  in  which  it 
was  procured  established  without  doubt.  Even  then,  in  the  case 
of  a  female  of  the  European  Green-winged  Teal,  killed  in  Amer- 
ica, it  would  be  a  difficult  task  to  decide  as  to  which  species  it 
belonged.  Total  length,  13  inches;  wing,  6^;  culmen,  ij^;  tar- 
sus, i£. 

Downy  Young. — Line  on  forehead,  top  of  head,  back  of  neck, 
stripe  through  eye  to  occiput,  and  one  from  corners  of  mouth  to 
and  including  ear  coverts,  and  entire  upper  parts,  dark  brown. 
Sides  of  head,  buff;  throat  and  under  parts,  and  spots  on 
shoulder,  and  on  each  side  of  back  and  rump,  yellowish  white. 
Bill,  black;  tip,  orange. 


GREEN-WINGED   TEAL. 

A  BEAUTIFUL  bird,  the  American  Green-winged 
Teal  has  a  very  extended  distribution  in  North 
America,  and  ranges  from  the  Arctic  Sea  across  the  en- 
tire Continent  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
and  south  to  Honduras,  in  Central  America,  and  to  Cuba. 
It  breeds  as  far  south  as  Colorado,  but  goes  mostly  north 
of  the  United  States  for  the  purpose  of  incubation,  and 
is  very  common  in  summer  in  Alaska  and  among  the 
islands  of  the  Aleutian  chain,  and  also  on  the  eastern 
portions  of  the  continent,  in  the  valley  of  the  Saskatche- 
wan, the  Mackenzie  River  district,  and  about  Hudson 
Bay.  It  makes  its  nest  in  tall  grass  or  in  clumps  of 
dried  grass  and  feathers,  and  lays  from  eight  to  a  dozen 
ivory  white  eggs.  Incubation  commences  the  last  of 
May,  and  the  young  are  hatched  by  July.  This  species 
goes  in  large  flocks,  and  flies  with  great  swiftness,  at 
times  keeping  a  straight  course,  as  though  its  destina- 
tion was  unalterably  fixed  in  its  mind  and  it  intended 
to  reach  it  by  the  shortest  possible  route,  and  again 
it  will  be  irregular  and  vacillating  in  its  movements, 
changing  its  course  frequently  and  dodging  about  with 
as  much  eccentricity  of  action  as  that  exhibited  by  a 
butterfly  in  a  strong  breeze.  But  whatever  may  be  its 
movements,  its  flight  is  always  rapid,  and  its  small  body 
proves  to  be  an  exceedingly  difficult  mark  to  hit. 

Although  usually  breeding  north  of  the  boundary  be- 
tween the  United  States  and  Canada,  it  has  been  known 
to  nest  in  Wisconsin,  Iowa,  and  others  of  the  northern 


GREEN-WINGED    TEAL.  137 

tier  of  States,  and  in  some  localities  seems  to  prefer  the 
neighborhood  of  small  streams  to  the  larger  bodies  of 
water  equally  available.  Occasionally  very  large  broods 
are  seen,  whether  the  product  of  one  female  or  from  two 
having  used  the  same  nest  it  was  impossible  to  deter- 
mine, but  Hearne  states  that  at  Hudson  Bay  he  had 
seen  the  parents  swimming  at  the  head  of  seventeen 
young,  and  that  the  latter  were  not  bigger  than  wal- 
nuts. No  wonder  that  the  species  is  able  to  keep  up 
its  numbers  fairly  well,  even  against  the  immense  ad- 
verse interests  that  hasten  its  destruction,  when  it  can 
claim  among  its  members  such  patriotic  and  prolific  par- 
ents as  those  above  mentioned. 

The  Green-winged  Teal  is  a  fresh-water  bird,  and  al- 
though it  visits  the  sea-coast,  it  keeps  to  the  marshes  and 
tidal  creeks  and  rivers.  The  flocks  swim  closely  to- 
gether,, rarely  scattering  about  much  even  when  feeding 
(at  least  that  is  the  way  they  generally  acted  when  I  ob- 
served them),  and  were  very  quick  in  all  their  move- 
ments, sitting,  if  not  alarmed,  rather  high  on  the  water. 
It  is  an  expert  diver  and  can  remain  beneath  the  sur- 
face for  a  considerable  time.  It  rises  with  a  sudden 
spring  and  is  at  once  in  full  flight,  and  it  requires 
a  marksman  with  a  steady  eye  and  hand  to  make  a  suc- 
cessful shot  at  one  of  these  birds  on  the  wing.  It 
passes  southward  from  its  northern  breeding  grounds 
in  October,  being  somewhat  later  in  its  migration  than 
its  near  relative,  the  Blue-winged  Teal,  and  visits  the 
ponds,  small  lakes,  and  streams,  feeding  on  insects  and 
various  leaves  and  grasses.  In  the  South  it  visits  the 
rice-fields,  and  keeps  company  with  Mallards  and  other 
large  Ducks  found  in  such  places.  Like  all  Water  Fowl, 
this  Teal  feeds  much  at  night,  particularly  if  the  moon 
is  shining,  but  if  in  localities  where  it  is  not  much  dis- 


138  WATER  FOWL. 

turbed,  it  is  also  very  active  during  the  day.  After  feed- 
ing I  have  often  seen  large  flocks  gather  on  a  lake  or 
broad  place  on  a  river,  notably  the  Mississippi,  and  hud- 
dled closely  together  enjoy  a  quiet  siesta  in  the  warm 
sunshine,  and,  in  the  case  of  the  river  above  mentioned, 
floating  along  with  the  current,  apparently  utterly  indif- 
ferent as  to  where  it  might  carry  them.  The  flesh  of  this 
Duck  is  very  tender  and  of  excellent  flavor,  especially 
when  the  bird  has  been  feeding  on  delicate  grasses,  like 
the  wild  celery  or  similar  food,  and  on  this  account  is 
much  sought  after  by  gunners.  It  is,  however,  of  better 
flavor  when  procured  in  the  interior  than  on  the  sea- 
coast,  its  food  in  the  latter  locality  probably  being  of  a  less 
desirable  quality.  In  addition  to  the  name  at  the  head  of 
this  article,  this  species  is  also  called  Mud  Teal,  Winter 
Teal,  Red-headed  Teal,  and  Sarcelle  by  the  French. 


NETTION   CAROLINENSIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Throughout  North  America  from 
the  Arctic  Regions  to  Honduras  in  Central  America,  and  to 
Cuba.  Breeds  north  of  the  United  States,  only  occasionally 
within  our  limits. 

Adult  Male. — Head  and  neck,  rufous  chestnut,  with  a  broad 
metallic  green  band  from  eye  to  nape,  terminating  in  a  tuft  of 
purplish  black.  A  narrow  buff  line  borders  the  under  side  of  the 
green  band.  Chin,  black.  Back  and  sides  crossed  with  narrow, 
wavy  black  and  white  lines;  lower  back,  dark  brownish  gray. 
Upper  tail  coverts,  dusky;  margined  with  white.  Tail  feathers, 
brownish  gray,  edged  with  white.  A  broad  white  bar  in  front  of 
bend  of  wing.  Wing  coverts,  brownish  gray,  tipped  with  ochra- 
ceous  buff,  forming  a  half  bar  across  wing,  succeeded  by  abroad 
metallic  green  .patch  or  speculum,  bordered  beneath  by  another 
broad  black  bar,  tipped  with  white.  Tertials,  brownish  gray  on 
inner  webs,  crossed  by  narrow  black  and  white  wavy  lines  on 
outer  webs,  and  margined  with  black.  Secondaries,  brownish 
gray;  the  outer  ones  bordered  with  black,  which  with  the  same 


GREEN-WINGED    TEAL.  139 

color  of  the  tertials  forms  a  narrow  stripe  along  the  wing  above 
the  coverts  and  speculum.  Primaries, •  brownish  gray.  Breast 
vinaceous,  covered  with  round  black  spots,  growing  indistinct  on 
the  lower  part  of  breast.  Belly,  white;  sometimes  tinged  all 
over  with  buff.  Buff  patch  on  either  side  of  crissum.  Under  tail 
coverts,  black.  Bill,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray.  Total 
length,  14^  inches;  wing,  7^;  bill,  i|;  tarsus,  i£. 

Adult  Female. — Top  of  head  and  hind  neck,  fuscous;  feathers 
margined  with  ochraceous.  Sides  of  head  and  neck,  buffy  white, 
speckled  with  dusky.  Chin  and  throat,  buff.  Upper  parts, 
dusky;  feathers,  barred  and  margined  with  pale  buff  and  ochra- 
ceous, intermixed.  Wing  similar  to  the  male,  the  speculum 
smaller,  and  the  tertials  colored  like  the  back.  Rump  and  upper 
tail  coverts,  fuscous,  margined  with  white.  Tail,  pointed,  fus- 
cous, edged  with  white.  Upper  part  of  breast,  dark  buff,  spotted 
with  fuscous.  Rest  of  under  parts,  white,  with  nebulous  dusky 
spots,  most  numerous  on  anal  region  and  under  tail  coverts. 
Bill,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray.  Total  length,  14^- 
inches;  wing,  6^;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  i. 

Young  Male. — Sides  and  belly,  pure  white;  rest  of  plumage 
like  female. 

Downy  Young. — Head,  neck,  and  lower  parts,  pale  buff; 
darkest  on  top  of  head  and  nape,  which  is  grayish  brown.  A 
dusky  stripe  behind  the  eye,  and  a  dusky  spot  over  the  ears. 
Upper  parts,  grayish  brown,  with  a  buff  spot  on  sides  of  back 
and  rump. 


SHOVELER. 

A  THOROUGHLY  cosmopolitan  species,  the  Shov- 
eler,  or  Spoonbill  as  it  is  often  called,  is  found  pretty 
much  everywhere  throughout  the  Northern  Hemisphere, 
and  may  penetrate  possibly  into  the  limits  of  the  South- 
ern also,  although  there,  in  different  parts,  it  is  replaced 
by  other  species  of  the  genus.  In  North  America  it  is 
generally  distributed,  but  is  not  common  on  the  eastern 
coast,  and  breeds  from  Alaska  to  Texas.  It  is  a  fresh- 
water Duck,  and  is  fond  of  resorting  to  inland  lakes  and 
streams,  and  seeks  places  overgrown  with  plants  and 
rushes,  feeding  on  seeds,  insects,  and  such  food  as  it 
is  able  successfully  to  sift  through  its  heavily  fringed 
bill,  being  more  generously  provided  in  this  respect  than 
almost  any  other  Duck.  The  Shoveler  is  usually  seen 
in  flocks,  some  of  considerable  size,  and,  when  in  the  air, 
its  long,  sharp-pointed  wings  with  their  wide  expanse 
give  the  bird  the  appearance  of  being  much  larger  than 
it  really  is.  In  Alaska,  as  would  naturally  be  expected, 
the  Shoveler  is  not  common  along  the  sea-coast,  but 
breeds  in  the  interior,  and  is  rather  abundant  in  certain 
portions  of  the  Yukon.  It  has  also  been  met  with  on 
the  Commander  Islands,  and  in  Kamchatka.  When 
about  the  marshes,  or  moving  over  the  inland  lakes  and 
coasting  along  the  shores,  the  Spoonbill  is  readily  recog- 
nized by  its  flight,  which  is  more  like  that  of  a  Teal,  al- 
though much  less  swift,  and  is  performed  in  an  irregular, 
hesitating  kind  of  way,  as  if  th.e  bird  was  uncertain  just 
where  to  go,  and  it  moves  in  and  out  among  coves  and 


SHOVELER.  141 

creeks,  apparently  investigating  every  spot,  as  if  search- 
ing for  some  specially  suitable  place  to  alight.  It  is 
not  particularly  timid,  and  will  often  come  boldly  up  to 
decoys,  looking  really  quite  like  one  of  the  "  big  "  Ducks 
as  it  sets  its  wings  and  sails  up  to  the  wooden  counter- 
feits. But  in  reality  the  body  of  the  Shoveler  is  not 
large,  and  its  apparent  size,  in  the  air,  is  mainly  made  up 
of  wings  and  head,  of  which  the  huge  spoon-shaped  bill 
is  not  the  least  portion.  It  breeds  early  in  the  year,  the 
month  largely  dependent  upon  the  latitude  in  which  the 
bird  happens  to  be,  as  there  is  great  diversity  of  climate 
between  the  limit  of  its  northern  and  southern  disper- 
sion, and  it  is  apparently  a  species  that  breeds  wherever 
the  proper  season  of  the  year  for  that  duty  happens  to 
find  it. 

The  nest,  composed  of  grass  or  rushes  laid  upon  a 
dry  spot  on  some  low  land  near  water,  is  lined  with 
feathers  from  the  parent's  breast,  and  from  eight  to  a 
dozen  greenish  white  eggs  are  laid.  The  young  have 
a  bill  shaped  like  that  of  any  other  Duck,  the  broad 
overlapping  maxilla  not  being  developed  until  the  bird 
is  well  grown.  The  male  Shoveler  in  full  summer  dress 
is  a  very  handsome  Duck,  indeed,  of  particularly  strik- 
ing appearance;  its  dark  green  head  and  neck,  some- 
what like  the  Mallard's,  showing  with  much  effect  above 
the  white  breast,  and  both  finely  contrasted  with  the 
deep  chestnut  of  the  under  parts.  It  is  not  a  graceful 
bird,  its  huge  bill  giving  it  a  topheavy  look,  but  it  walks 
well  on  land,  and  can  run  with  some  speed.  I  have 
seldom  heard  the  Spoonbill  utter  any  sound,  though 
occasionally  it  gives  forth  a  few  feeble  quacks,  but  it  is 
usually  very  silent.  As  a  bird  for  the  table  I  have  held 
it  in  very  high  esteem,  its  flavor  depending  greatly,  of 
course,  on  the  quality  of  food  it  obtains.  This  species 


14*  WATER  FOWL. 

has  many  local  names  by  which  it  is  known  to  sports- 
men and  gunners.  Some  of  these  are,  Spoonbill,  Blue- 
winged  Shoveler,  Red-breasted  Shoveler,  Spoonbilled 
Teal,  Spoonbilled  Widgeon,  Broad  Bill,  Broady,  Swad- 
dlebill,  Mud  Shoveler,  and  in  Louisiana,  Mesquin. 

SPATULA  CLYPEATA. 

Geographical  Distribution.  —  Cosmopolitan.  Throughout 
the  Northern  Hemisphere.  In  North  America  from  Alaska  to 
Texas,  and  thence  southward  through  Mexico  and  Central 
America  to  northern  South  America.  Not  common  on  the 
Atlantic  coast.  Breeds  pretty  much  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  Male. — Head  and  neck,  dark  metallic  green;  black  in 
certain  lights.  Upper  part  of  back,  breast,  and  anterior  scapu- 
lars, white.  Middle  of  back,  brown;  rump  and  upper  tail  cov- 
erts, black,  glossed  with  metallic  green.  Wing  coverts  and  outer 
web  of  two  long  scapulars,  pale  blue.  Tips  of  greater  wing  cov- 
erts, white,  forming  a  narrowband  across  the  wing.  Speculum, 
metallic  grass  green.  Inner  secondaries,  greenish  black,  with 
median  white  stripe.  Primaries,  fuscous  on  outer  webs,  pale 
brown  on  inner.  Tail,  with  central  rectrices,  brown,  edged  with 
white;  remaining  feathers,  white;  freckled  or  blotched  with 
brownish  gray.  A  white  patch  on  each  side  of  root  of  tail. 
Entire  under  parts,  rich  deep  chestnut,  extending  to  crissum, 
which  with  the  under  tail  coverts,  is  dark  metallic  green,  black 
in  some  lights,  bordered  anteriorly  by  a  narrow  band  of  white, 
undulated  with  black.  Inner  feathers  of  the  flanks,  pale  chest- 
nut, freckled  with  black.  Bill,  black;  iris,  pale  yellow.  Legs 
and  feet,  orange  red;  webs,  violet  gray.  Total  length,  about  19 
inches;  wing,  g£;  culmen,  2^;  tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — Front  and  top  of  head,  brownish  white, 
streaked  with  dusky;  neck  and  sides  of  head  buff,  streaked  with 
dusky.  Chin  and  throat,  uniform  buff.  Upper  part  of  back  and 
wings,  fuscous;  feathers,  edged  with  yellowish  white.  Wing 
coverts,  dull,  pale  blue;  feathers  sometimes  edged  with  white. 
Speculum,  metallic  green.  Middle  of  back  and  rump,  fuscous; 
feathers,  edged  with  V-shaped  bars  of  reddish  buff.  Upper  tail 
coverts,  fuscous;  irregularly  barred  with  buff  or  white.  Tail, 
white,  barred  with  brown.  Under  parts,  reddish  buff,  spotted 


SHOVELER.  143 

with  brown.  The  abdomen  sometimes  immaculate  white.  Bill, 
olive  brown,  sometimes  speckled  with  black;  base  of  maxilla 
and  all  of  mandible,  orange.  Iris,  yellow.  Legs  and  feet,  orange. 
Total  length,  about  19  inches;  wing,  8f;  culmen,  2^;  tarsus,  i-f$. 

Young  Male. -^-Resembles  the  female,  but  has  the  head  and 
aeck  mottled  with  black,  and  the  black  feathers  on  top  of  the  head 
are  edged  with  reddish  buff.  The  upper  part  of  breast  and  back 
is  pale  reddish  buff  with  V-shaped  marks  of  dark  brown.  Rest 
of  upper  parts  like  the  female.  The  under  parts,  pale  chestnut; 
but  there  is  much  individual  variation  in  the  coloring  of  lower 
breast  and  abdomen.  Wing  very  like  that  of  the  adult  male. 

The  male,  in  full  breeding  plumage,  is  not  commonly  met 
with;  but  this  species,  in  all  its  variety  of  dress,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Downy  Young,  is  readily  recognizable  by  the  pecu- 
liarly shaped  bill. 

Young  Female. — Speculum,  dusky,  with  little  or  no  metallic 
reflections,  and  tipped  with  brownish  white.  Wing  coverts, 
slate  color. 

Adult  Male,  when  moulting,  resembles  the  female,  but  is 
darker,  and  the  speculum  more  brilliant. 

Downy  Young. — Middle  of  crown,  nape,  and  hind  neck,  olive 
brown;  rest  of  head  and  neck,  and  lower  parts,  pale  fulvous.  A 
dark  brown  stripe  from  bill  through  eye  halfway  to  occiput,  and 
a  similar  one  across  ears  toward  nape.  Upper  parts,  olive 
brown,  with  yellowish  spots  on  each  side  of  back  and  rump. 


RUFOUS-CRESTED   DUCK. 

"PHIS  is  a  species  of  the  Old  World,  and  is  very  ques- 
tionably included  in  the  North  American  Fauna.  So 
seldom  has  it  been  obtained  within  our  limits  that  it  can 
hardly  be  considered  even  as  a  straggler;  the  few  speci- 
mens known  having  been  seen  hanging  in  the  market 
in  New  York  for  sale,  but  the  locality  from  whence  they 
came  was  very  doubtful,  and  it  was  only  the  fact  that 
the  birds  were  in  the  flesh  which  gave  rise  to  the  thought 
that  they  might  have  been  killed  within  our  boundaries. 
Many  European  game  birds  are  exhibited  for  sale  in 
our  Eastern  markets  during  the  winter  that  were  never 
killed  on  our  shores,  as  invoices  of  them  are  brought  by 
nearly  every  steamer,  and  it  is  only  because  it  would  be 
considered  doubtful  that  anyone  should  send  a  Wild 
Duck  to  America,  it  being  an  act  very  near  akin  to  ship- 
ping coals  to  Newcastle,  that  it  became  a  fair  supposition 
that  these  specimens  of  this  Duck  came  to  our  shores  by 
means  of  their  own  propelling  powers,  unassisted  by 
man. 

The  Rufous-crested  Duck  is  a  very  handsome  species 
and  in  the  Old  World  is  found  in  southern  and  eastern 
Europe,  occasionally  straggling  into  the  northern  parts 
of  central  Europe,  and  also  is  an  inhabitant  of  Northern 
Africa  and  India.  It  frequents  often  fresh-water  lakes 
and  marshes,  and  is  very  shy,  and  has  a  note  resembling 
the  harsh  croak  of  the  crow.  It  is  not  a  diver,  and  feeds 
from  the  bottom,  like  the  Mallard,  by  tilting  its  hind- 
quarters, and  holding  itself  in  position  by  paddling  with 


RUFOUS-CRESTED  DUCK.  145 

the  feet,  while  it  pulls  up  the  grass  and  plants  growing 
below.  It  goes  in  small  companies  and  does  not  con- 
sort with  other  species.  It  breeds  in  ponds,  the  nest  be- 
ing placed  amid  rushes  or  flags,  and  is  composed  of 
these  plants,  dead  leaves,  and  a  bed  of  down.  The  eggs, 
which  are  an  olive-green,  vary  from  eight  to  ten.  While 
incubation  proceeds,  the  males  assemble  together  on  the 
water  in  the  vicinity.  Whenever  the  female  leaves  the 
nest,  she  covers  the  eggs  carefully  with  down.  In  Italy 
this  is  a  common  species,  and  also  in  India,  where  it 
keeps  to  the  middle  of  the  tanks,  and  is  very 
wary  and  difficult  to  approach.  Its  flesh  is  considered 
excellent,  and  by  some  regarded  as  one  of  the  best  birds 
for  the  table  found  in  that  country. 

With  -all  its  favorable  qualities,  both  of  attractive  ap- 
pearance and  palatable  flesh,  it  is  to  be  regretted  that 
this  Duck  can  in  no  wise  be  enrolled  in  our  lists  as  be- 
longing to  North  America.  It  is  one  that  would  be 
much  better  dropped  from  our  catalogues  as  an  Ameri- 
can species,  and  erased,  with  some  others  of  equally 
questionable  standing,  from  our  scientific  works.  It  is 
included  in  this  book  simply  because  it  has  been  retained 
in  the  Check  List  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union, 
as  it  seems  best  to  me  not  to  omit  any  species  given  in 
that  catalogue. 

NETTA   RUFINA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Eastern  hemisphere.  Of  ques- 
tionable occurrence  in  eastern  United  States. 

Adiilt  Male. — Sides  of  head  and  throat,  vinaceous,  darkest  on 
the  throat,  passing  into  pale  rufous  on  the  front  and  base  of 
crest,  grading  into  pale  reddish  buff  on  the  central  portion  of  the 
latter.  Upper  part  of  back  of  neck,  and  all  lower  neck,  black, 
grading  into  the  glossy  blackish  brown  of  the  breast,  belly,  and 
under  tail  coverts.  Upper  back,  grayish  brown,  passing  into 


146  WATER  FOWL. 

chocolate  brown  on  the  rump;  upper  tail  coverts,  black,  with 
a  greenish  gloss.  Scapulars,  yellowish  brown.  Joint  of  wing, 
and  a  patch  continuous  with  it,  partly  concealed  by  the  scapu- 
lars, white.  Wing-coverts  and  tertials,  grayish  brown;  sec- 
ondaries, white  tipped  with  gray  forming  the  speculum. 
Primaries,  white,  the  tips  and  outer  web  of  the  first  five  dark 
grayish  brown.  Sides  and  flanks,  white  suffused  with  pink 
undulated  with  dark  brown  bars  anteriorly  and  posteriorly,  some 
indistinct.  Upper  portion  of  flanks  bordered  with  reddish 
brown.  Tail,  grayish  brown,  pale  on  inner  webs.  Bill,  ver- 
milion red.  Iris,  reddish  brown.  Legs  and  toes,  vermilion 
red;  webs,  blackish.  Total  length,  about  22  inches;  wing,  10; 
tail,  4;  culmen,  2;  tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — Upper  part  of  head,  dark  brown;  back  of 
neck,  pale  grayish  brown;  cheeks,  throat,  and  sides  of  neck, 
grayish  white.  Entire  under  parts,  brownish  white,  passing 
into  pure  white  on  the  under  tail  coverts.  Upper  parts,  grayish 
brown,  grading  into  blackish  brown  on  the  rump.  Scapulars, 
grayish  brown,  paler  than  in  the  male.  Wing  coverts,  pale 
grayish  brown.  Secondaries,  white,  forming  the  speculum. 
Primaries,  grayish  white;  outer  webs  and  tips,  dark  brown. 
Upper  tail  coverts,  pale  grayish  brown.  Culmen,  if  inch; 
wing,  10;  tail,  3f ;  tarsus,  if. 

Downy  Young. — Superciliary  stripe,  and  one  through  the  eye 
dividing  into  two  posteriorly,  buff.  Upper  parts,  olive  gray. 
Spot  on  each  shoulder,  and  entire  under  parts,  buff. 


CANVAS  BACK. 

{~*  IVEN  the  proper  kind  of  food,  there  is  no  Duck,  save 
perhaps  occasionally  the  Red  Head,  that  can  equal 
this  splendid  species  in  the  delicate  quality  and  flavor  of 
its  flesh,  and  as  a  game  bird  and  for  the  sport  it  affords  to 
the  gunner,  there  is  no  Water  Fowl  worthy  of  being  men- 
tioned with  this  one,  so  deservedly  known  as  the  Royal 
Canvas  Back.  Exclusively  an  American  species,  hav- 
ing nothing  in  the  Old  World  that  can  even  be  said  to 
represent  it,  the  Canvas  Back  ranges  over  all  North 
America,  and  breeds  from  upper  California,  amid  the. 
lakes  and  water  courses  of  the  mountains,  in  eastern 
Oregon  in  similar  lofty  situations,  and  in  some  other 
States  on  our  northern  border,  to  and  throughout  the 
Arctic  regions  probably  to  the  sea.  It  is  not  found, 
however,  on  the  Pacific  coast  north  of  Vancouver  Island. 
At  different  points  on  the  Yukon  it  breeds  in  great  num- 
bers, and  probably  its  main  nesting  ground  is  in  that 
northern  latitude.  The  places  within  the  limits  of  the 
United  States  suitable  for  this  Duck  to  rear  its  young 
unmolested  will  probably  grow  fewer  and  fewer,  until  in 
a  brief  period  it  will  have  to  rely  altogether  upon  Arc- 
tic solitudes  for  that  protection  and  freedom  from  in- 
trusion so  necessary  at  this  important  period  of  the 
bird's  existence.  The  bottom  of  the  Canvas  Back's 
nest  is  formed  of  rushes  and  grasses  situated  in 
the  water,  and  is  then  built  up  with  high  sides  and  lined 
with  down  and  feathers.  It  is  continually  being  added 
to  while  the  bird  is  laying,  and  when  the  female  is  ready 
to  commence  incubating,  it  has  grown  to  be  consider- 


148  WATER  FOWL. 

able  of  a  structure.  Eight  to  ten  pale  greenish  gray 
eggs  are  deposited,  and  the  female  begins  to  lay  about 
June. 

The  Canvas  Back  appears  within  the  limits  of  the 
United  States,  during  the  fall  migration,  in  the  month  of 
October.  The  duties  and  trials  of  the  nesting  season  and 
the  rearing  of  the  young  broods  in  the  far  northern 
regions  are  over,  and  each  little  family,  lusty  of  wing  and 
robed  in  a  fresh  dress,  has  united  itself  with  some  others 
until  the  gathering  host,  making  ready  for  the  long  south- 
ern journey,  spreads  itself  out  like  some  great  army  pre- 
paring to  invade  an  unknown  country.  The  sun  has 
for  some  time  been  making  his  daily  rounds  in  constantly 
diminishing  circles,  and  the  increasing  time  between  his 
setting  and  rising,  with  the  gradual  lengthening  of  the 
period  of  darkness,  all  betoken  the  coming  of  the  Arctic 
night.  It  is  time  for  birds  to  be  on  the  wing,  headed 
for  southern  climes.  Preparations  are  made  for  their 
departure  and  much  discussion  must  be  indulged  in, 
probably  both  as  to  what  they  expect  to  see  and  find  in 
this,  to  many,  terra  incognita,  and  as  to  the  best  routes  to 
reach  it.  Some  are  present  who  have  made  the  journey, 
perhaps  many  times  before;  wise  old  heads  that  have 
escaped  unnumbered  dangers  and  traps  set  for  the  un- 
wary, and  who  have  sturdily  refused  to  listen  to  the 
charm  of  the  sportsman's  well-imitated  call, — charm  he 
never  so  wisely, — or  to  be  allured  into  the  dangerous 
neighborhood  of  his  ambush,  be  his  decoys  ever  so  life- 
like and  competent  to  deceive.  But  the  majority  of  that 
preparing  host  are  young  and  inexperienced,  ignorant 
of  all  that  is  before  them,  and  of  the  dangerous  ways  of 
the  world.  But  they  must  take  their  chances,  like  all  the 
rest  of  earth's  creatures  in  the  great  struggle  for  ex- 
istence, and  the  time  has  come  to  depart. 


CANVAS  BACK.  H9 

With  a  roar  of  wings  like  the  sound  of  many  waters, 
as  if  actuated  by  a  single  impulse,  the  feathered  army 
rises  in  the  air,  and  captained  by  a  few  old  birds,  sur- 
vivors of  many  a  battle,  the  return  journey  commences. 
With  a  few  preparatory  wheels  around  the  vicinity  of 
their  summer  home,  which  many  of  them  will  never 
see  again,  the  leaders  head  to  the  south,  and,  at  a  lofty 
height,  guide  the  main  body  at  a  great  speed  toward  the 
promised  land. 

On  Puckaway  Lake,  in  Wisconsin,  Canvas  Backs  and 
Red  Heads  would  always  make  their  appearance  on  the 
loth  day  of  October.  It  was  a  very  singular  fact,  but 
we  could  always  be  certain  of  seeing  some  of  these 
Ducks  at  that  date;  no  matter  what  the  weather  may 
have  been  up  to  that  time,  and  even  if  the  season  had 
been  unusually  cold,  these  birds  did  not  appear  before 
the  loth.  The  lake  contained  plenty  of  wild  rice  and 
celery,  and  before  it  was  closed  by  ice  the  Canvas  Back 
would  become  very  fat  upon  this  food,  and  were  not  sur- 
passed in  delicacy  of  flavor  by  any  shot  upon  the  famed 
waters  of  the  Chesapeake.  Like  the  Red  Heads  and 
some  other  diving  ducks,  the  Canvas  Back  keep  out  in 
deep  water  and  raft  together  in  great  numbers,  seeking 
their  food  at  the  bottom.  Their  feet,  although  large  and 
powerful,  are  not  of  much  assistance  in  descending  to 
the  depths,  but  the  wings  are  the  bird's  chief  reliance 
for  propulsion,  and  it  flies  under  water  as  it  does  in 
the  air,  and  the  feet  are  employed  mainly  for  guiding  and 
altering  the  course.  This  method  of  propelling  itself 
under  water  is  not  by  any  means  the  sole  attribute  of  the 
Canvas  Backs,  for  not  only  do  many  other  Ducks  act 
in  the  same  way,  but  different  species  of  water  birds, 
not  Ducks,  also. 

The  flight  of  the  Canvas  Back  is  not  probably  ex- 


ISO  WATER  FOWL. 

ceeded  in  swiftness  by  that  of  any  other  Duck,  and  under 
favorable  circumstances  it  will  doubtless  accomplish  one 
hundred  miles  an  hour.  It  generally  flies  in  a  direct 
line  as  if  it  knew  exactly  where  it  was  going,  and  often 
at  a  great  height.  Its  method  of  flying  resembles  very 
closely  that  of  the  Red  Head,  and  it  moves  along  in 
extended  lines  in  the  way  described  in  the  article  on 
that  bird.'  It  is  also  in  the  habit  of  exercising  in  the 
early  morning  and  late  afternoons.  The  present  spe- 
cies comes  boldly  to  the  decoys  if  it  intends  to  approach 
them,  and  often  is  so  intent  upon  its  wooden  counter- 
feits that  it  has  no  eyes  for  anything  else,  and  will  fly 
right  in,  though  possibly  the  sportsman  may  be  standing 
motionless  in  the  blind.  But  no  Duck  can  get  on  the 
wing  and  be  in  full  flight  quicker  than  a  Canvas  Back, 
and  many  has  been  the  disappointed  gunner  who,  vainly 
imagining  he  was  sure  of  his  shot,  but  was  taking 
time  to  be  certain  of  his  aim,  has  seen  both  charges 
from  his  gun  strike  the  water  behind  the  bird,  whose 
mighty  spring  and  rapid  action  had  already  carried  it 
much  farther  and  more  quickly  than  its  would-be  cap- 
tor had  imagined.  None  can  aim  at  a  passing  Canvas 
Back  with  any  chance  of  stopping  it  in  full  flight.  If 
there  ever  was  a  time  when  to  "  hold  well  ahead  "  was 
imperative,  it  is  when  shooting  at  this  Duck  passing  by, 
or  quartering. 

Although  this  species  comes  so  boldly  to  decoys, 
there  are  other  times  when  nothing  will  induce  it  to 
draw  near  them,  and  then  all  the  best  imitation  of  its  note 
and  the  frantic  efforts  of  the  concealed  sportsman  to 
attract  its  attention  are  unavailing.  It  simply  goes  upon 
its  way,  utterly  indifferent  apparently  to  the  society  of 
its  fellows.  Occasionally  an  individual  will  swing  to- 
ward the  decoys  without  stopping  his  speed  for  a  mo- 


CANVAS  BACK.  151 

ment,  as  if  telling  them  that  he  knew  they  were  there, 
and  that  they  had  better  follow  him,  but  giving  not  the 
slightest  indication  of  any  intention  to  halt.  It  is  such 
times  as  these  that  try  the  sportsman's  nerve  and  skill, 
and  to  stop  by  a  well-aimed  shot,  and  roll  over  one  such 
bird  stone  dead  in  the  air,  when  whirling  along  at  such 
terrific  speed,  compensates  him  for  a  number  of  previous 
misses. 

The  Canvas  Back'  is  a  brave  bird,  and  fears  no  enemy 
of  the  air,  possibly  depending  in  a  measure  upon  its  great 
skill  in  diving.  If  a  Bald  Eagle  comes  sailing  over  a. 
raft  of  Ducks  floating  on  the  broad  water,  as  I  have 
often  witnessed,  the  birds  will  rise  in  one  vast  cloud  and 
go  circling  about,  settling  after  their  dread  enemy  has 
passed  on.  But  the  Canvas  Back  is  not  in  the  cloud,  nor 
do  flocks  of  that  bird  swell  its  dimensions,  but  it  keeps 
quietly  about  its  occupations  in  company  with  the  Swan 
and  Geese  if  any  are  present,  utterly  indifferent  to  the 
movements  of  the  other  Ducks.  The  call  of  the  Canvas 
Back  is  the  same  harsh  guttural  note  as  that  uttered  by 
the  Red  Head,  and  is  usually  heard  when  the  birds  are 
gathered  together  on  the  water.  When  flying  it  is 
generally  silent,  although  sometimes  it  will  utter  this 
note  when  approaching  decoys  or  other  Ducks  rafted  on 
the  sounds  or  rivers.  This  species  does  not  bear  many 
popular  names  in  addition  to  that  at  the  head  of  this 
article.  Occasionally  it  is  called  "  Canvas,"  simply,  or 
White  Back  and  Bull-Neck,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
Orleans,  Canard  Cheval  or  Horse  Duck. 

Although,  as  I  have  already  said,  when  this  Duck  has 
fed  for  a  time  on  the  wild  celery  its  flesh  is  superior  to 
that  of  all  other  Fowl,  yet,  when  deprived  of  this,  it  is 
about  as  poor  a  bird  as  flies,  not  equal  in  any  way  to 
the  Mallard  or  other  mud  Ducks  that  obtain  their 


152  WATER  FOWL. 

usual  food  where  they  may.  It  is  this  fact  that  makes 
such  a  difference  in  Canvas  Backs  when  served  on  the 
table.  Only  those  brought  from  localities  where  the 
wild  celery  grows  have  any  qualities  superior  to  the 
ordinary  run  of  Ducks.  It  is  generally  supposed  that 
only  Canvas  Backs  from  the  Chesapeake  are  exception- 
ally fine,  and  they  must  be  brought  from  those  far-famed 
flats,  for  their  delicacy  and  flavor  to  be  known  and  ap- 
preciated. But  no  greater  mistake  'can  be  made,  as 
there  are  many  places,  especially  among  the  lakes  in  the 
West,  where  the  wild  celery  grows  in  profusion,  and 
the  Canvas  Backs  from  those  localities  are  equal,  in 
gastronomic  qualities,  to  any  fed  and  killed  on  the 
Chesapeake. 

It  has  seemed  to  me  that  this  species  has  become  much 
scarcer  in  the  past  few  years ;  certainly  many  places  where 
it  used  to  be  abundant  in  the  winter  are  now  almost  de- 
serted by  this  Duck;  but  it  cannot  be  wondered  at  if  it  is 
so,  for  when  we  consider  the  persecutions  it  suffers  from 
gunners  striving  to  obtain  the  high  price  it  brings  in 
market,  and  the  thousands  that  are  shipped  to  Europe, — 
poor  things  that  have  been  kept  frozen  or  packed  in  ice 
until  all  the  flavor  has  departed, — it  is  surprising  that 
there  are  many  left.  With  no  effort  made  to  preserve  it 
from  extinction,  but  every  kind  of  scheme  employed  for 
its  destruction,  we  must  become  accustomed  to  witness 
the  noblest  Game  Duck  that  ever  flew  gradually  dis- 
appear from  our  land. 

ARISTONETTA    VALISNERIA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America  generally. 
Breeding  from  northwestern  States  northward. 

Adult  Mate.— Top  of  head  and  feathers  at  base  of  bill  and 
chin,  black;  rest  of  head  and  neck,  brownish  red.  Upper  part 


CANVAS  BACK.  153 

of  back,  chest,  rump,  upper  and  lower  tail  coverts,  black.  Rest 
of  plumage,  white,  vermiculated  on  back,  and  anal  region,  with 
black.  Wings  similar  to  those  of  the  Red  Head.  Bill,  sloping 
gradually  from  outline  of  head,  widening  very  slightly  toward 
the  end  and  longer  than  head,  black.  Tail,  black  with  a  grayish 
luster.  Iris,  red.  Legs  and  feet,  plumbeous.  Total  length, 
about  20  inches;  wing,  9^;  culmen,  23*ff;  tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — Head,  neck,  chest,  and  upper  part  of  back, 
umber  brown,  darkest  on  top  of  head.  Rest  of  back,  scapulars, 
and  sides,  dark  brown;  tips  of  feathers  vermiculated  with  ashy 
white.  Rump,  seal  brown.  Upper  tail  coverts  vermiculated 
with  yellowish  brown.  Tail,  dark  brown  on  outer,  ashy  on  inner 
webs.  Greater  wing  coverts,  slate;  outer  webs  of  secondaries, 
bluish  gray.  Bill,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  plumbeous.  Under 
parts,  white  or  yellowish  white.  Total  length,  20  inches;  wing,  9; 
culmen,  2^;  tarsus,  i£. 


RED   HEAD. 

"T"*HIS  well-known  and  highly  esteemed  bird  was  at  one 
time  very  abundant  in  many  parts  of  North  America, 
but  constant  persecution  and  indiscriminate  slaughter  of 
both  adult  and  young  have  greatly  reduced  its  numbers 
throughout  the  land,  and  in  many  localities  where,  in 
former  times,  it  was  very  abundant  in  winter,  it  no  longer 
appears.  It  is  a  companion  of  its  famous  relative  the 
Canvas  Back,  and  frequents  similar  localities,  and  seeks 
the  same  food.  The  distribution  of  the  Red  Head  is 
general  throughout  North  America,  but  it  is  not  so 
plentiful  on  the  Pacific  side  of  the  continent  as  it  is  in 
many  places  on  the  eastern  coast.  It  does  not  seem 
to  penetrate  into  Alaska,  but  it  breeds  throughout  the 
so-called  "  Fur  Countries,"  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
and  north  of  the  fiftieth  parallel.  It  also  breeds  in  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  United  States  along  the  Canadian  border, 
but  on  account  of  the  advent  of  railroads  and  increasing 
settlement  of  the  country,  the  breeding  grounds  of  many 
species  of  Ducks  within  our  borders  have  become  much 
restricted,  and  many  localities  formerly  resorted  to  by  the 
birds  during  the  nesting  season  have  been  abandoned 
entirely.  Absolute  freedom  from  intrusion  by  depre- 
dators and  security  from  persecution  are  the  main  requi- 
sites demanded  by  Water  Fowl  for  their  breeding 
grounds,  and  when  these  are  no  longer  obtainable  .the 
locality  ceases  to  be  available  for  the  purpose. 

The  Red  Head  breeds  in  what  may  be  termed  colonies, 
with  many  nests  placed  close  together.  These  are  al- 
ways near  the  water,  slightly  elevated,  and  composed  of 


i 


RED  HEAD.  155 

grass  and  weeds  placed  loosely  together.  The  eggs  are 
a  creamy  grayish  white,  and  usually  ten  or  a  dozen  make 
the  full  complement.  This  Duck  has  been  found  breed- 
ing near  Calais,  Maine,  and  also  on  Lake  Horicon,  Wis- 
consin, and  it  is  thought  that  at  one  time  it  nested  in  the 
Sacramento  Valley. 

The  Red  Head  makes  its  appearance,  arriving  from 
its  northern  resorts,  where  it  has  passed  the  summer,  in 
October  in  large  flocks.  The  birds  fly  high,  in  a  wide 
V-shaped  line,  and  proceed  with  great  speed,  accom- 
panied by  a  whistling  swish  of  the  wings,  so  that  one, 
even  at  a  considerable  distance,  can  clearly 

"  Hear  the  beat 
Of  their  pinions  fleet, 
As  from  the  land  of  snow  and  sleet 
They  seek  a  southern  lea." 

The  flocks  rarely  alight  at  first,  even  when  there  may 
be  numbers  of  Duck  congregated  on  the  water,  but 
traverse  the  length  of  the  sound  or  lake  as  if  recon- 
noitering  the  entire  expanse,  and  trying  to  select  the  best 
feeding  ground.  After  having  passed  and  repassed 
over  the  route  a  few  times,  the  flock  begins  to  lower, 
and  gradually  descending,  at  length  the  wings  are  set 
and  the  birds  sail  gradually  up  to  the  chosen  spot, 
usually  where  other  Duck  are  feeding,  and  drop  in  their 
midst  with  many  splashings.  But  while  this  is  the  usual 
method  adopted  by  newcomers,  sometimes  the  pro- 
gramme is  changed  and  the  birds,  attracted  by  a  large 
concourse  of  their  relatives,  particularly  if  the  day  be 
calm  and  the  sun  shining  with  considerable  heat,  will 
suddenly  drop  from  out  the  sky  in  a  rapid  zigzag  course, 
as  if  one  wing  of  each  Duck  had  been  broken,  and  they 
cross  and  recross  each  other  in  the  rapid  descent,  their 


156  WATER  FOWL. 

fall  accompanied  by  a  loud  whirring  sound,  as  the  air 
is  forced  between  the  primaries.  On  such  occasions 
the  flock  is  mixed  all  up  together  in  a  most  bewildering 
manner,  until,  arriving  a  few  feet  above  the  water,  the 
wings  become  motionless  and  the  birds  glide  up  to  and 
alight  by  the  side  of  their  desired  companions. 

Early  in  the  morning,  and  again  late  in  the  afternoon, 
the  Red  Head  regularly  takes  a  "  constitutional."  The 
flocks,  that  have  been  massed  together  during  the  night 
or  the  middle  of  the  day,  rise  from  the  water,  not  all 
together  but  in  companies  of  several  dozen,  and  stringing 
themselves  out  in  long,  irregular  lines,  each  bird  a  little 
behind  and  to  one  side  of  its  leader,  fly  rapidly  up  and 
down,  at  a  considerable  height  over  the  water.  Some- 
times these  morning  and  evening  promenades  are  per- 
formed at  a  great  elevation,  so  that  the  movement  of  the 
wings  is  hardly  perceptible.  On  such  occasions  they  ap- 
pear like  a  dark  ribbon  against  the  sky,  and  the  compari- 
son is  strengthened  by  the  fact  that  every  movement  of 
the  leader  elevating  or  depressing  his  course  is  imitated 
exactly  by  all  those  which  follow,  and  so  the  line  has 
frequent  wavy  motions  like  currents  passing  through  it, 
as  when  a  ribbon  is  held  in  the  fingers  and  a  flip  given  to 
it  which  causes  it  to  undulate  along  its  whole  length. 

This  species  is  a  deep-water  Duck  and  keeps  out  in  the 
center  of  rivers  or  lakes,  congregating  at  times  in  such 
numbers  as  to  form  immense  rafts;  hence  it  is  sometimes 
called  "  Raft  Duck."  It  dives  readily  and  to  consider- 
able depths,  and  pulls  up  the  grass  and  roots  found  on 
the  bottom,  returning  to  the  surface  to  enjoy  the  fruits 
of  its  labor,  and  not  infrequently  to  find  them  snatched 
away  by  the  ever-active  Widgeon,  always  on  the  look- 
out for  tid-bits  it  is  unable  to  dig  up  for  itself.  Great 
flocks  of  these  birds  are  always  in  attendance  on  the  Red 


RED  HEAD.  157 

Heads  and  Canvas  Backs,  and  secure  a  large  proportion 
of  the  food  these  diving  Ducks  send  to  the  surface. 
Red  Heads  feed  much  at  night,  especially  if  the  moon 
is  shining,  and  at  such  times  are  exceedingly  busy,  and 
the  splashing  of  diving  birds,  the  coming  and  going  of 
others,  and  the  incessant  utterings  of  their  hoarse  note, 
are  heard  from  dark  to  daylight.  They  also  feed  by  day, 
if  the  weather  has  been  stormy,  but  on  quiet,  pleasant 
days  they  rarely  move  about  much,  but  remain  quietly 
out  in  the  open  water,  sleeping,  or  dressing  their  feath- 
ers, or  occasionally  taking  a  turn  beneath  the  surface  as 
though  more  in  an  exploring  mood,  than  for  the  purpose 
of  seeking  food.  In  localities  where  the  marshes  are 
scattered  throughout  the  broad  sounds,  or  form  the 
banks  of  the  rivers,  the  Red  Heads  are  accustomed  to 
resort  to  them  a  great  deal,  paddling  close  to  the  edges 
looking  for  insects  or  other  animated  objects  suitable 
for  food,  or  frequenting  the  ponds,  when  such  exist,  in 
company  with  mud  Ducks  and  others  which  habitually 
seek  such  places. 

As  a  rule  the  Red  Head  is  gentle  and  unsuspicious, 
and  readily  comes  to  decoys.  It  has  a  habit  on  'such 
occasions  that  causes  great  destruction  to  the  flocks. 
When  the  birds  have  sailed  up  to  the  blind  and  either 
are  preparing  to  alight,  or  hesitating  whether  or  not  to 
go  on  their  way,  the  members  crowd  close  together,  or 
"  bunch,"  as  it  is  called,  giving  the  sportsman  an  op- 
portunity to  discharge  the  contents  of  his  gun  into 
their  midst  with  the  effect  of  killing  a  number  of 
birds  and  wounding  many  more.  An  injured  Red 
Head  is  not  an  easy  bird  to  capture,  as  it  dives  and 
skulks  with  great  rapidity  and  skill,  and  if  on  open  water 
always  moves  against  the  wind.  If  near  a  marsh,  it  will 
get  under  the  bank,  or  crawl  up  into  the  grass,  and  it 


158  WATER  FOWL. 

needs  a  good  dog  to  find  it.  When  all  other  means  fail 
it  will  dive  to  the  bottom,  seize  some  grass  in  its  bill, 
and  hold  on  until  life  is  extinct;  commit  suicide  by 
drowning,  in  fact,  rather  than  fall  into  the  hands  of  its 
pursuer. 

Sometimes  this  duck  is  known  as  Gray-Back,  and  in 
Louisiana  as  Dos  Gris,  the  French  equivalent  for  the 
same  name,  and  also  Canard  Violon.  The  Red  Head 
bears  confinement  well,  but  does  not  breed  readily  when 
domesticated.  The  note  of  this  species  is  a  hoarse  gut- 
tural rolling  sound,  as  if  the  letter  R  was  uttered  in  the 
throat  with  a  vibration  of  the  tongue  at  the  same  time. 
It  is  easily  imitated,  and  the  bird  readily  responds  to  the 
call  of  its  supposed  relative.  Some  other  ducks,  like  the 
Canvas  Back,  different  species  of  Scaup  Ducks,  Sprig- 
tail,  etc.,  have  a  similar  call.  The  flesh  of  the  Red  Head, 
when  it  has  been  feeding  upon  wild  celery  and  such 
dainty  food,  for  tenderness  and  flavor  is  excelled  by 
no  other  Duck,  and  many  are  passed  off  for  Canvas 
Back.  I  have  tried  both,  shot  the  same  day  on  the 
Chesapeake,  and  the  birds  had  doubtless  fed  on  the  wild 
celery,  and  in  point  of  excellence  there  was  no  difference 
between  them.  Occasionally  I  have  found  the  Red 
Head  the  better  bird  of  the  two,  but  this  was  exceptional. 
Of  course,  if  the  heads  are  served  with  the  body,  there 
is  never  any  difficulty  in  distinguishing  them,  provided 
the  heads  really  belong  to  the  bodies  served,  but  in  all 
cases  the  Canvas  Back  is  considerably  the  larger  Duck. 
A  knowledge  of  comparative  anatomy  is  very  useful  in 
a  case  where  a  decision  as  to  the  identity  of  these  Ducks 
is  required,  as  the  result  may  mean  a  difference  of  quite 
a  sum  of  money  to  the  host,  for  probably  more  so-called 
Canvas  Backs  and  even  Red  Heads  are  eaten  during  one 
winter  in  our  country  than  ever  flew  within  its  limits  at 


RED  HEAD.  *59 

the  same  period.  This  species  has  various  names,  some 
of  which  are  American  Pochard,  Raft  Duck,  and  Red- 
headed Raft  Duck. 

^ETHYIA  AMERICANA. 

Geographical  Distribution.  — North  America  generally .  Breeds 
from  California  and  Northern  tier  of  States  to  the  Arctic  regions. 

Adult  Male. — Head,  full  and  puffed  out,  and  with  the  neck  is 
rich  reddish  chestnut,  glossed  at  times  with  reddish  purple. 
Lower  neck,  chest,  upper  parts  of  back,  rump,  and  upper  and 
lower  tail  coverts,  black.  Back,  scapulars,  sides  and  flanks,  gray- 
ish white,  finely  undulated  with  black.  Wing  coverts,  ash  gray. 
Speculum,  ash  gray,  bordered  above  with  black  and  posteriorly 
with  white.  Primaries,  dark  brown  on  tips  and  outer  web,  gray 
on  inner.  Tail,  dark  brown.  Under  parts,  white,  growing 
darker  toward  the  under  tail  coverts.  In  some  specimens  the 
under  surface  is  whitish  brown.  Bill,  broad,  flattened,  widest  at 
tip,  rising  at  base  abruptly  to  the  forehead,  forming  a  very  dif- 
ferent angle  to  the  bill  than  that  of  the  Canvas  Back,  dull  blue  in 
color,  and  crossed  by  a  black  bar  near  the  tip.  Iris,  orange.  Legs 
and  feet,  grayish  blue;  webs,  dusky.  Total  length,  about  19^ 
inches;  wing,  9;  culmen,  iT9u;  tarsus,  IT%;  bill  at  widest  point,  ^f. 

Adult  Female. — Head  and  neck,  pale  brown;  darkest  on  top 
of  head.  Chin  and  throat  almost  white,  as  is  also,  in  some  speci- 
mens, the  loral  space.  Cheeks,  frequently  grayish  brown.  Back 
and  scapulars,  grayish  brown;  feathers,  tipped  with  light  gray; 
wing  coverts  and  secondaries,  pearly  gray;  speculum,  light  ash 
gray.  Secondaries,  pearly  gray  on  outer  webs;  edged  with 
black.  Primaries,  fuscous  on  outer  webs;  dark  buff  along  the 
shafts  and  on  inner  webs.  Lower  back,  blackish  brown,  lighter 
on  upper  tail  coverts;  feathers  of  latter,  tipped  with  pale  brown. 
Chest,  sides,  and  flanks,  grayish  brown;  feathers,  tipped  with 
fulvous.  Bill,  pure  white;  anal  region  and  under  tail  coverts, 
brownish  white,  darker  on  the  thighs.  Bill,  pale  blue,  black  at 
tip.  Legs  and  feet,  grayish  blue.  Total  length,  19  inches;  wing, 
9;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  if. 

Downy  Young. — Sides  of  head  and  neck,  and  lower  parts, 
deep  buff,  palest  on  the  belly.  Top  of  head  and  upper  parts  of 
body,  ochraceous  olive  brown,  with  a  yellow  spot  on  sides  of  body 
and  rump,  and  on  border  of  wings. 


SCAUP   DUCK. 

T~*HE  various  published  accounts  of  this  species  fail  to 
give  a  complete  history  of  its  economy  and  habits 
because  this  Duck  and  the  Little  Scaup,  which  so  much 
resembles  it,  have  been  by  nearly  all  authors  greatly  con- 
fused together.  So  far  as  my  experience  enables  me  to 
judge,  the  Big  Black  Head  is  a  bird  that  mostly  fre- 
quents the  coasts,  and  is  not  so  often  found  inland  as  its 
relative,  which  at  times  is  very  abundant  on  our  lakes 
and  rivers,  and  those  writers  who  have  mentioned  this 
bird  as  being  so  very  common  in  many  localities  in  the 
interior  of  the  United  States  probably  really  have  refer- 
ence to  the  Little  Black  Head,  quite  another  species. 

This  Duck  breeds  in  the  far  North,  from  Alaska  on 
both  sides  of  the  mountains  across  the  continent,  and 
possibly  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Arctic  Sea.  It  is  also  an 
inhabitant  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere,  and  is  found  from 
the  British  Islands  to  China  breeding  in  the  northern 
portions,  .but  not  south  of  the  latitude  of  Lapland.  It 
is  found  on  Kotzebue  Sound,  Alaska,  and  on  the  Yukon 
River  it  is  plentiful  in  summer,  and  is  also  dispersed 
throughout  its  Delta,  and  along  the  islands  of  the  Aleu- 
tian chain.  The  birds  arrive  at  their  breeding  grounds 
from  the  South  early  in  May,  and  scatter  over  the 
marshes  and  numerous  small  ponds,  and  select  their 
mates  preparatory  for  the  nesting  season  rapidly  ap- 
proaching. A  place  amid  the  high  grass,  close  to  the 
water,  is  selected  for  the  nest,  so  close  indeed  that  the 
bird  can  swim  to  it.  Loose  grass,  lying  about,  is 

160 


SCAUP  DUCK.  161 

gathered  together,  and  down,  plucked  from  the  bird's 
own  breast  to  form  a  bed,  is  placed  upon  it,  and  from  six 
to  eight  eggs,  rather  a  small  complement  for  a  Duck,  are 
deposited.  These  are  pale  olive  gray  in  hue,  and  are 
hidden  in  the  downy  covering  whenever  the  female  is  off 
the  nest.  June  is  the  month  for  incubation,  and  the 
period  of  hatching  must  be  from  three  to  four  weeks, 
for  in  August  half-grown  young  are  seen.  As  soon  as 
the  ducklings  escape  from  the  egg,  they  are  led  by  the 
mother  to  some  large  body  of  water,  where  frequently 
several  broods  unite  and  form  quite  a  flock. 

In  October  the  Big  Blue  Bill  enters  the  limits  of  the 
United  States,  coming  from  its  Northern  home,  and  is 
found  along  the  coast  of  both  oceans,  going  as  far  south 
as  Mexico  during  the  winter.  It  flies  with  great  swiftness, 
and  is  a  most  expert  diver;  a  wounded  bird,  unless  very 
badly  crippled,  being  practically  impossible  to  capture. 
The  Bay  Broad  Bill,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  does  not 
go  in  such  large  flocks  as  is  the  habit  of  its  smaller  rela- 
tive, and  keeps  a  good  deal  about  the  coves  and  marshes. 
It  decoys  readily,  and  utters  at  times  a  note  similar  to 
the  guttural  sound  made  by  the  Canvas  Back,  Red  Head, 
and  other  diving  Ducks.  I  have  not  noticed  that  it 
associates  much  with  the  Little  Broad  Bill,  but  keeps  to 
the  society  of  its  own  species,  and  goes  in  flocks  usually 
of  less  than  a  dozen  members.  At  no  time  have  I  ever 
seen  it  rafted  in  the  open  water  in  great  numbers,  as 
frequently  is  the  case  with  the  Little  Black  Head. 

The  present  species  is  quite  a  large  Duck,  and  has  a 
metallic  green  luster  on  the  feathers  of  its  head  and  neck, 
which  enables  it  easily  to  be  discriminated  from  the 
purple-hued  head  of  the  allied  form.  It  bears  many 
popular  names  among  the  gunners  throughout  the 
United  States,  a  number  of  which  are  the  same  as  those 


*62  WATER   FOWL. 

of  its  small  relative,  with  a  prefix  denoting  bigness ;  thus, 
in  addition  to  those  already  given,  it  is  called  Big  Black 
Head,  Big  Scaup,  Big  Shuffler,  Big  Broad  Bill;  also  Salt- 
Water  Broad  Bill  (indicating  its  preference  for  the  sea- 
coasts),  Bay  Broad  Bill,  Gray  Back,  Black  Neck,  Dos 
Gris  in  Louisiana,  and  various  others,  some  of  which  are 
purely  local,  and  rarely  heard.  As  a  bird  for  the  table 
it  is  about  on  a  par  with  the  Little  Scaup  Duck,  and, 
when  it  has  fed  upon  wild  celery  and  other  tender 
grasses,  its  flesh  is  well-flavored,  but  if  away  from  locali- 
ties where  these  grasses  are  found,  it  is  not  very  particu- 
lar upon  the  quality  of  its  diet,  and  often  has  a  fishy  and 
rank  flavor,  not  in  any  way  desirable.  I  do  not  regard 
it  as  common  a  species  as  many  of  the  diving  Ducks  found 
within  our  borders,  and  the  days  when  I  have  met  with 
them,  even  in  comparatively  large  numbers,  have  been 
exceptional.  For  a  long  period  its  distinctness  from  the 
Small  Broad  Bill  was  unknown,  and  for  some  time  after 
it  was  suggested  that  there  were  two  species,  both  orni- 
thologists and  sportsmen  were  skeptical  of  the  fact. 


FULIGULA  M ARIL  A. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America  generally,  south 
to  Guatemala.  Also  in  Northern  portion  of  Old  World  to  China. 
Breeds  in  Alaska,  and  in  the  Arctic  regions  east  of  the  mountains. 

Adult  Male.— Head,  neck,  fore  parts  of  back  and  chest,  black, 
with  green  reflections  on  head  and  neck.  Lower  back,  rump, 
upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  also  black.  Middle  of  back,  scapu- 
lars, sides,  flanks,  and  anal  region,  white,  undulated  with  fine 
black  lines.  Wing  coverts,  blackish,  finely  barred  with  white. 
Speculum,  white,  bounded  in  front  by  a  black  line  formed  by  the 
tips  of  the  greater  coverts.  Tertials,  black,  glossed  with  green; 
some  of  the  large  ones  vermiculated  with  white.  Primaries, 
dark  brown,  with  black  tips,  and  a  grayish  or  whitish  area  on 
inner  webs.  Tail,  blackish  brown.  Belly,  white.  Bill,  bluish 


SCAUP  DUCK.  163 

gray;  nail,  black.  Iris,  yellow.  Legs  and  feet,  plumbeous. 
Total  length,  about  19  inches;  wing,  8T4W;  culmen,  2;  tarsus,  i^. 
Adult  Female. — Forehead,  and  sides  of  bill  at  base,  white. 
Rest  of  head,  neck,  and  breast,  snuff  brown.  Upper  parts, 
dusky  brown;  tip  of  feathers,  lighter.  Back  and  scapulars,  ver- 
miculated  slightly  with  white.  Wings,  purplish  brown,  with 
white  speculum.  Primaries,  with  the  tips  and  outer  webs  of  first 
two,  blackish  brown,  remainder,  pinkish  buff,  or  whitish  brown, 
the  latter  showing  like  a  patch  when  wing  is  closed.  Flanks, 
brown,  vermiculated  with  white.  Belly,  white.  Anal  regions 
and  under  tail  coverts,  dark  brown,  inclined  to  an  olive  shade; 
feathers,  tipped  with  white.  Tail,  dusky  brown,  lighter  than  the 
rump.  Iris,  bill,  legs,  and  feet,  colored  as  in  the  male.  Total 
length,  about  19  inches;  wing,  8T4T;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  IT\. 
There  is  very  little  if  any  difference  in  the  average  size  of  the 
sexes  of  this  species. 


LESSER  SCAUP  DUCK. 

J  ITTLE  Broad  Bill,  Little  Black  Head,  Little  Blue 
L  Bill,  Shuffler,  River  Broad  Bill,  Black  Head,  Creek 
Black  Head,  Broad  Bill,  Raft  Duck,  and  Flocking  Fowl 
are  some  of  the  names  by  which  this  species  is  known  in 
various  parts  of  our  country.  It  is  one  of  the  most  com- 
mon of  our  Ducks,  and  it  appears  to  me  to  be  growing 
more  abundant;  at  all  events,  this  is  so  in  many  locali- 
ties. Whether  this  is  caused  by  an  actual  increase  in 
numbers,  or  that  the  birds  have  merely  frequented  local- 
ities usually  neglected  by  them,  and  so  seem  to  be  more 
numerous,  I  cannot  say.  The  species  has  a  wide 
distribution,  ranging  over  the  whole  of  North  America, 
and  going  south  in  winter  as  far  as  Guatemala  and 
the  West  Indies.  It  breeds  north  of  the  United 
States,  mainly  in  the  Arctic  regions  and  also,  possi- 
bly, in  Minnesota,  and  perhaps  in  some  other  of 
the  border  States;  but  whether  it  goes  west  of  the 
mountains  in  the  Territory  of  Alaska  is  difficult  to  deter- 
mine, as  by  many  writers  this  bird  and  the  previous 
species  have  been  so  generally  regarded  as  the  same, 
that  it  is  impossible  to  decide  by  their  narratives  which 
one  is  intended.  Dall  and  Kennicott  say  it  breeds  plen- 
tifully on  the  Yukon  River,  while  Nelson,  an  equally 
competent  observer,  states  that  during  a  long  residence, 
at  the  Yukon  mouth  and  to  the  northward,  he  did  not 
see  a  single  individual  of  the  Little  Scaup,  although  the 
Big  Scaup  was  abundant,  and  Turner  does  not  mention 
it  among  the  birds  seen  by  him  in  Alaska.  From  this 


LESSER   SCAUP  DUCK.  165 

it  would  be  fair  to  infer  that  this  species  breeds  on  the 
eastern  portion  of  the  Arctic  region,  and  if  present  at  all, 
is  an  exceptional  visitor  within  the  limits  of  Alaska. 

The  nest,  found  on  the  lower  Anderson  River  by  Mac- 
Farlane,  was  placed  ,in  a  swampy  tract  near  a  wooded 
country,  and  was  simply  a  depression  in  the  center  of  a 
tuft  of  grass,  and  lined  with  down,  probably  from  the 
female's  breast.  Another  was  placed  in  a  clump  of  wil- 
lows in  the  midst  of  a  swamp,  and  close  to  a  small  lake. 
The  location  of  these  nests  were  somewhat  different  from 
those  chosen  by  the  Big  Scaup  Duck,  which,  as  already 
stated,  were  almost  in  the  water,  or  so  near  that  the 
female  could  swim  to  and  from  it.  The  eggs,  usually 
nine  in  number,  are  a  pale  grayish  buff  sometimes  tinged 
with  olive.  The  male  keeps  in  the  vicinity  of  the  nest, 
but  it  is  not  known  that  he  shares  in  any  of  the  duties  of 
incubation. 

The  Little  Broad  Bill  is  a  cold-weather  Duck,  and  is 
frequently  observed  flying  about  when  the  ponds  and 
rivers  are  nearly  all  frozen  over.  At  such  times  it  visits 
the  air  holes,  and  is  very  busy  diving  for  food,  which  it 
brings  up  from  the  bottom.  It  arrives  within  our 
borders  rather  late  in  the  autumn,  and  keeps  in  large 
flocks  in  the  center  of  the  broad  water,  away  from  the 
shore.  It  is  one  of  the  most  expert  divers  among  the 
Duck  tribe,  and  can  reach  the  bottom  to  pull  up  grasses 
or  pick  up  mollusks,  in  as  deep  water  as  any  of  its  rela- 
tives, no  matter  how  skillful  they  may  be  in  the  business. 
Like  the  Canvas  Back  and  other  species  which  frequent 
deep  water  the  Little  Black  Head  propels  itself  beneath 
the  surface  by  its  wings,  using  the  webbed  feet  merely  as 
rudders. 

This  Duck  is  very  tenacious  of  life,  and  it  requires  a 
hard  blow,  and  shot  of  considerable  size,  to  kill  it. 


1 66  WATER  FOWL. 

When  wounded  it  shows  much  cunning,  skulking  and 
hiding  among  the  grass,  or  beneath  the  overhanging 
banks  of  marshes,  and  it  will  immerse  its  entire  body  be- 
neath the  surface,  leaving  only  the  bill  exposed  and,  if 
all  else  fails,  will  go  to  the  bottom  and  hold  on  to  the 
grass  until  life  is  extinct.  The  Little  Broad  Bill  is  very 
swift  upon  the  wing,  and  comes  to  decoys  readily,  but 
can  get  away  from  their  vicinity  when  alarmed  about  as 
quickly  as  anything  that  flies.  It  generally  goes  in 
flocks  of  from  one  to  three  dozen,  sometimes  consider- 
ably more,  and  comes  boldly  up  to  a  blind  or  sink-boat, 
usually  "  company  front,"  and  on  the  discharge  of  a  gun 
the  birds  scatter  in  every  direction  like  a  swarm  of  bees, 
straight  up  in  the  air,  or  off  to  either  side  in  most  admir- 
able confusion,  gathering  together  again  when  the  point 
of  danger  is  passed,  and  speeding  onward  in  undulating 
lines  over  the  middle  of  the  broadest  stretch  of  water. 
The  wounded  birds  that  have  fallen  amid  the  decoys 
immediately  dive,  sometimes  going  directly  under  water 
from  their  descent  in  mid-air,  appearing  again  only  for 
a  second  at  some  distance  away,  either  headed  for  the 
nearest  marsh,  or  swimming  in  the  wind's  eye  toward  the 
open  water.  When  wounded  they  are  very  difficult  to 
capture  and  bother  even  the  best  retriever  greatly;  div- 
ing incessantly  and  with  great  rapidity,  sometimes  right 
under  his  nose,  appearing  behind  him  or  on  one  side,  and 
keeping  the  dog  spinning  around  like  a  top  in  his  efforts 
to  sieze  such  a  slippery  object. 

The  flesh  of  this  duck  is  sometimes  very  tender  and  of 
good  flavor,  but  these  qualities  depend  altogether  upon 
what  it  has  been  feeding,  for  it  is  not  very  select  in  its 
diet,  and  will  swallow  all  kinds  of  shell-fish,  probably 
frogs,  newts,  or  any  similar  creature  it  can  catch,  and  on 
this  food  it  becomes  rank  and  disagreeable,  quite  unfit 


LESSER   SCAUP  DUCK.  167 

for  the  table.  But  if  fed  upon  roots  of  water  plants,  wild 
rice,  celery,  or  other  similar  tender  grasses,  it  is  a  very 
good  little  bird  indeed.  For  the  sportsman  there  is  no 
better  object  upon  which  to  try  his  skill  than  this  Duck; 
its  rapid  flight  and  quick,  unexpected  movements  on  the 
wing  frequently  bringing  to  nought  the  efforts  of  the 
most  expert  gunner. 

Considerable  variation  among  individuals  of  this  spe- 
cies exists  in  their  measurements,  and  occasionally  they 
approach  in  size  those  of  the  Big  Scaup,  so  that,  as  re- 
gards the  females,  it  is  at  times  very  difficult  to  distin- 
guish which  species  is  represented.  Adult  males  can 
easily  be  identified,  no  matter  what  their  dimensions  may 
be,  the  metallic  hues  of  the  head  making  them  readily 
recognizable.  But  there  is  little  in  the  coloring  of  the 
females  to  separate  them  from  the  larger  species,  and  if 
the  wing  should  exceed  eight  and  one-quarter  inches 
in  length  it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  say  to  which  form 
the  bird  should  be  referred.  The  company  the  specimen 
kept  when  it  was  killed,  if  that  could  be  ascertained, 
would  be  the  surest  test  for  identification,  as  these  two 
Scaups  are  rarely  found  associating  together.  The  eggs 
also  vary  greatly  in  their  measurements. 

FULIGULA  AFFINIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America  generally.  Breed- 
ing north  of  United  States.  In  winter  to  Guatemala  and  the 
West  Indies. 

Adult  Ma/e.—Head,  neck,  and  fore  part  of  body,  black,  with 
purple  reflections  on  head.  Back  and  scapulars,  white,  barred 
with  narrow  irregular  black  lines.  Wing  coverts,  dusky,  mottled 
with  white.  Secondaries,  white,  the  tips,  black,  with  a  greenish 
gloss,  forming  a  white  patch  or  speculum  on  the  wing.  Tertials, 
black,  glossed  with  green.  Primaries,  brown,  blackish  at  tips 
and  toward  edges  of  the  webs.  Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts. 


1 68  WATER  FOWL. 

black.  Breast  and  abdomen,  white.  Flanks,  white,  barred  with 
irregular  black  lines,  more  or  less  distinct.  Crissum,  dusky, 
mottled  with  white  ;  under  tail  coverts,  black.  Tail,  black. 
Bill,  bluish  white,  nail,  black.  Legs  and  feet,  light  slate  or 
plumbeous.  Iris,  yellow.  Length,  about  16  inches;  wing,  8;  tail, 
3,  tarsus,  i^;  culmen,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — Space  about  base  of  bill,  white.  Rest  of  head 
and  neck,  snuff  brown.  Upper  back  and  breast,  amber  brown; 
the  feathers,  margined  with  pale  brown  on  the  former,  ochrace- 
ous  on  the  latter.  Back  and  scapulars,  fuscous,  mottled  with 
white.  Wings,  dark  brown;  speculum,  white.  Flanks,  dark 
grayish  brown,  tips  of  feathers,  white.  Under  parts,  white. 
Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dark  grayish  brown.  Anal  region 
and  under  tail  coverts,  pale  grayish  brown,  much  lighter  than 
rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  and  grading  into  the  white  of  the 
abdomen.  Tail,  dark  grayish  brown,  edges  of  webs,  ochraceous. 
Bill,  legs,  and  feet,  colored  as  in  the  male.  Size  similar  to  that 
of  the  male. 


RINGED-XECK   DUCK. 

XJOWHERE  so  abundant  as  is  the  last  species,  the 
Ringed  Neck  has  nevertheless  as  wide  a  distribution 
as  the  Broad  Bill,  and  ranges  over  the  whole  of  North 
America  from  the  Arctic  Sea  to  Guatemala  and  the  West 
Indies.  It  bears  a  considerable  number  of  names,  and 
is  often  confounded  with  the  Little  Scaup  Duck,  and 
in  different  portions  of  the  United  States  is  called  Tufted 
Duck,  Ring  Bill,  Bastard  Broad  Bill  Shuffler,  Ring- 
billed  Shuffler,  Ring-billed  Black  Head,  Ringed-neck 
Black  Head,  Ringed-neck  Scaup,  and  Canard  Noir  in 
Louisiana.  It  probably  has  some  more  names,  but  these 
are  about  all  that  I  have  heard  applied  to  this  bird  myself, 
and  those  most  commonly  used  are  the  one  at  the  head  of 
this  article,  and  Ring  Bill. 

It  is  not  a  common  species,  goes  in  small  flocks,  and 
frequently  is  found  in  company  with  the  Little  Scaup, 
which  it  resembles  very  closely  in  its  general  habits.  It 
breeds  from  the  northern  part  of  the  United  States  north- 
ward, and"  has  been  seen  in  Alaska,  but  the  nest  has  not 
yet  been  found  there,  although  it  is  very  probable  that  the 
species  does  breed  in  that  Territory.  The  few  examples 
seen  were  so  shy  that  it  was  impossible  to  get  near  them. 
Nests  of  this  Duck  have  been  found  in  Wisconsin  and 
Minnesota.  In  the  former  State  one  was  found  on  a  bog 
in  thick  cover  near  Pewaukee  Lake,  and  was  formed  of 
grasses,  and  lined  with  feathers.  The  nesting  habits  of 
this  Duck  are  not  very  well  known  and  its  breeding  limits 
have  not  been  ascertained.  The  eggs  are  grayish  white, 
169 


17°  WATER   FOWL. 

sometimes  with  a  buff  tinge.  My  friend  Mr.  George  A. 
Boardman  found  a  nest  of  this  species,  containing  eleven 
eggs,  on  the  St.  Croix  River  near  Calais,  Maine,  and  on 
another  occasion  secured  a  brood  of  ducklings  together 
with  the  old  ones.  This  would  seem  to  show  that  the 
Ring  Neck  probably  breeds  along  the  northern  border  of 
the  United  States  wherever  suitable  localities  occur. 

This  Duck  is  more  often  seen  on  the  rivers  and  inland 
lakes  than  on  the  sea-coast,  although  it  is  found  every 
winter  near  the  borders  of  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
oceans.  Its  flight  resembles  that  of  the  Little  Blue  Bill 
and  is  quite  as  swiftly  performed,  and  its  movements  on 
the  wing  are  equally  as  quick  as  those  of  its  relative.  It 
comes  readily  to  decoys  and  is  as  tenacious  of  life  and  as 
skillful  in  evading  pursuit,  when  wounded,  as  is  the  Little 
Scaup. 

The  Ring  Neck  resembles  the  Little  Broad  Bill  in 
general  appearance,  but  is  a  much  handsomer  bird,  the 
peculiar  white  marking  upon  the  bill,  and  the  red 
ring,  more  or  less  distinct,  around  the  neck,  making  it 
very  conspicuous.  As  a  bird  for  the  table  it  is 
about  equal  to  the  Little  Black  Head,  and  what  has 
been  already  said  in  this  respect  of  that  species 
is  equally  applicable  to  this  one.  I  think  it  is  more 
plentiful  on  the  waters  of  our  Western  States,  espe- 
cially those  in  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi,  than  it  is 
anywhere  in  the  East.  On  the  Pacific  coast  it  goes 
from  Mexico  to  northern  Alaska,  but  is  nowhere 
very  abundant.  Like  the  Little  Scaup  this  is  a  cold- 
weather  Duck,  and  unless  everything  is  entirely  frozen 
up,  occasionally  remains  in  northern  latitudes  all  winter. 


RINGED-NECK  DUCK. 


FULIGULA  COLLAR  IS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America  from  the  Arctic 
Ocean  to  Guatemala  and  the  West  Indies.  Breeds  from  north- 
ern United  States  to  limit  of  its  range  in  Arctic  America. 

Adult  Ma/e.—Head,  neck,  breast,  upper  parts,  and  under  tail 
coverts,  black,  with  a  gloss  of  purple  on  head,  and  greenish  on 
back.  A  more  or  less  distinct  chestnut  collar  around  middle  of 
neck.  A  triangular  white  spot  on  chin.  Wings,  blackish  brown, 
with  a  green  gloss.  Speculum,  gray.  Under  parts,  white;  the 
flanks  and  sides,  waved  with  fine  black  lines.  Crissum,  dusky, 
mottled  with  white.  Bill,  black,  with  the  base,  edges,  and  a  bar 
across  maxilla  near  nail,  pale  bluish.  Legs  and  feet,  grayish 
blue,  webs,  dusky.  Iris,  yellow.  Length,  about  17!  inches; 
wing,  8;  tail,  3T4^;  culmen,  IT%;  tarsus,  ij. 

Adttlt  Female. — Top  of  head  and  back  of  neck,  dark  brown; 
sides  of  head,  grayish  white.  Loral  space,  forehead,  eyelids, 
chin,  throat,  and  neck  in  front,  yellowish  white.  Sides  of  neck, 
light  brown.  Back  and  wings,  dark  brown,  feathers  margined 
with  rufous.  Speculum,  gray;  outer  webs  of  outer  tertials,  me- 
tallic green.  Lower  back  and  rump,  black;  upper  tail  coverts 
and  tail,  pale  brown,  feathers,  tipped  with  yellowish  brown. 
Upper  breast,  sides,  and  flanks,  fulvous  brown,  tips  of  feathers, 
yellowish  brown.  Lower  breast  and  belly,  white.  Anal  region, 
dull  brown;  under  tail  coverts,  white,  speckled  with  brown. 
Bill,  slate,  with  pale  blue  band  crossing  it  near  tip.  Total 
length,  17  inches;  wing,  7^;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  i£. 

Downy  Young. — Top  of  head  and  neck  behind,  dark  grayish 
brown;  ears,  grayish  brown;  rest  of  head  and  neck  and  lower 
parts,  pale  buff;  upper  parts,  grayish  brown,  with  a  spot  in  cen- 
ter of  back  and  on  each  side  of  back  and  rump,  and  a  bar  across 
posterior  border  of  wings,  light  buff. 


LABRADOR   DUCK. 

CORMERLY  not  an  uncommon  bird  along  the  At- 
lantic coast  as  far  south  as  Delaware,  the  Labrador 
Duck  has,  for  over  twenty  years,  ceased  to  make  its  ap- 
pearance anywhere  within  our  boundaries,. and  it  would 
seem  that,  from  some  reason  quite  inexplicable,  it  has  be- 
come extinct.  The  Pied  Duck, as  it  was  sometimes  called, 
fifty  years  ago  was  said  to  be  frequently  offered  for  sale  in 
the  markets,  hanging  among  strings  of  other  species  of 
Ducks.  It  was  not  known  to  Wilson,  and  Audubon  never 
saw  it  alive;  the  birds  from  which  he  made  his  draw- 
ing having  been  killed  by  Daniel  Webster  on  Vineyard 
Island,  coast  of  Massachusetts.  This  pair  is  now  in  the 
collection  of  the  National  Museum  at  Washington. 
Very  little  is  really  known  about  the  habits  of  this  species. 
There  are  no  authentic  accounts  of  its  nest  or  eggs,  and 
it  is  doubtful  if  anyone,  save  perhaps  an  Eskimo,  has  ever 
seen  either  one  or  the  other.  John  W.  Audubon  had 
several  deserted  nests  shown  him  at  Blanc  Sablon,  Lab- 
rador, as  belonging  to  this  Duck,  but  he  saw  no  indi- 
viduals, and  it  may  be  seriously  doubted  if  the  Labrador 
Duck  ever  had  anything  to  do  with  them. 

Fifty  years  ago,  according  to  Giraud,  this  bird, 
known  to  the  gunners  of  Long  Island  as  the  Skunk 
Duck,  on  account  of  its  peculiar  black  and  white 
markings,  was  even  then  very  rare.  The  people  of 
the  New  Jersey  coast  called  it  "  Sand-shoal  Duck."  It 
was  said  to  feed  on  shell-fish,  which  it  procured  by  diving. 
Between  1860  and  1870  I  saw  at  various  times  a  con- 


LABRADOR  DUCK.  1 73 

siderable  number  in  Fulton  and  Washington  Markets  of 
New  York.  They  were  mostly  females  and  young  males, 
a  full-plumaged  male  being  exceedingly  rare.  Some- 
times there  would  be  as  many  as  a  dozen  hanging  to- 
gether, and  then  weeks  might  elapse  before  any  more 
were  seen.  At  that  time,  while  it  was  remarked  that  it 
was  a  curious  circumstance  that  only  females  or  young 
males  were  to  be  had,  no  one  imagined  that  the  species 
was  approaching  extinction;  for  when  immature  birds 
existed  there  must  be  both  parents  somewhere.  Gradu- 
ally, however,  the  specimens  became  fewer,  and  appeared 
at  longer  intervals,  until  they  disappeared  entirely.  Dur- 
ing the  twenty  years  between  1850  and  1870  a  few  full- 
plumaged  males  were  obtained,  and  one  of  the  finest  I 
ever  saw  I  bought  from  a  taxidermist  in  Brooklyn,  who 
had  it  at  the  time  in  the  flesh.  During  the  periods  of 
which  I  speak,  there  would  have  been  no  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing quite  a  large  series  of  females  and  young  males, 
but  as  it  was  supposed  these  could  be  obtained  whenever 
wanted,  they  were  neglected. 

The  cause  of  the  disappearance  of  this  Duck  no  one 
knows.  Various  attempts  have  been  made  to  account 
for  it,  but  none  has  been  satisfactory.  By  some  natu- 
ralists it  is  conjectured  that  it  was  brought  about  by  the 
destruction  of  the  eggs,  but  we  have  no  reason  to  sup- 
pose that  any  more  eggs  of  this  species  were  destroyed, 
from  any  cause  whatever,  than  were  those  of  any  other 
Duck.  It  was  not  exterminated  by  man  with  the  gun, 
for  he  did  not  get  a  chance — the  birds  gave  him  too  few 
opportunities.  Being  strong  of  flight  as  well  as  a  skill- 
full diver,  there  was  no  reason  why,  if  necessary,  it  could 
not  have  easily  and  rapidly  conveyed  itself  away  from  any 
threatened  danger,  and  no  matter  how  the  fact  of  its  ex- 
tinction is  regarded  and  what  were  its  possible  causes, 


174  WATER  FOWL. 

no  explanation  can  be  given  that  is  satisfactory.  It  is 
one  of  those  inexplicable  phenomena  that  occasionally 
arise  to  perplex  and  baffle  the  best  informed  person.  As 
a  bird  for  the  table,  as  might  have  been  expected  from  its 
choice  of  food,  it  was  not  very  desirable,  being  fishy  and 
of  a  strong  flavor;  evidently  only  on  a  par  with  the  usual 
run  of  Sea-Ducks.  About  forty  specimens  only  are 
known  to  be  preserved  in  all  North  America,  and  not  half 
that  number  in  all  Europe.  The  finest  collection  of  these 
birds  in  the  world  is  in  the  New  York  Museum  of 
Natural  History,  where  seven  adult  males,  females,  and 
young  males  are  to  be  seen.  Five  have  been  artistically 
mounted  in  a  group  with  characteristic  surroundings  of 
ice  and  water  (for  it  was  a  cold-weather  bird),  forming 
one  of  the  rarest  and  most  valuable  ornaments  in  the  pos- 
session of  the  museum.  While  we  marvel  at  the  disap- 
pearance of  this  bird  from  our  fauna,  similar  or  equally 
forcible  methods  are  at  work,  which  in  the  process  of 
time,  and  short  time  too,  will  cause  many  another  species 
of  our  Water  Fowl  to  vanish  from  our  lakes  and  rivers, 
and  along  the  coasts  of  our  continent.  Robbing  the 
nests  for  all  manner  of  purposes,  from  that  of  making  the 
eggs  an  article  of  commerce  or  posing  as  specimens  in 
cabinets,  slaying  the  ducklings  before  they  are  able  to  fly 
and  have  no  means  of  escape  from  the  butchers,  to- 
gether with  the  never  ceasing  slaughter  from  the  moment 
the  young  are  able  to  take  wing  and  start  on  their  migra- 
tion, at  all  times,  in  all  seasons,  and  in  every  place,  until 
the  few  remaining  have  returned  to  their  summer  home, 
all  combined,  are  yearly  reducing  their  ranks  with  a  fear- 
ful rapidity,  and  speedily  hastening  the  time  when,  so 
far  as  our  Water  Fowl  are  concerned,  the  places  that  now 
know  them,  and  echo  with  their  pleasant  voices,  shall 
know  them  no  more  forever. 


LABRADOR  DUCK.  1 75 


CAMPTOL^EMUS  LABRADORIUS. 

Geographical  Dtstribtition. — Formerly  on  the  Atlantic  coast 
from  New  Jersey  northward.  Now  extinct. 

Adult  Male. — Head,  neck,  breast,  scapular,  and  wings,  except 
primaries,  white.  Stripe  on  crown  and  nape,  ring  around  lower 
neck,  back,  rump,  primaries,  upper  tail  coverts,  tail,  and  entire 
lower  parts,  black;  the  tail  with  a  grayish  tinge.  Cheeks,  fre- 
quently yellowish  white.  Long  scapulars,  pearl  gray;  tertials, 
with  black  edges.  Bill,  black,  blue  along  the  base  of  culmen, 
and  orange  at  base  and  along  edges  of  maxilla  and  mandible. 
Iris,  reddish  brown;  feet  and  legs,  grayish  blue.  Total  length, 
about  29T%  inches;  wing,  8T7U;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  \\. 

Adult  Female. — General  plumage,  uniform  brownish  gray. 
Tertials,  silvery  gray,  edged  with  black.  Secondaries,  white, 
forming  a  speculum,  inner  secondaries  with  black  edgings.  Total 
length,  about  18  inches;  wing,  8T%;  culmen,  iT6ff;  tarsus,  i-f^. 

Young  Male. — Very  similar  to  adult  female,  but  the  chin  and 
throat,  pure  white,  and  in  some  specimens  the  breast  also,  but  in 
others  the  white  of  this  part  is  merely  indicated.  The  greater 
wing  coverts  are  also  sometimes  white. 


GOLDEN    EYE. 

/^IRCUMPOLAR  in  its  distribution,  and  ranging 
throughout  the  whole  of  North  America  from  the 
Arctic  Sea  to  the  island  of  Cuba  in  the  south,  and  from 
the  Atlantic  coast  across  the  continent  to  the  Pacific,  the 
Golden  Eye  is  among  the  best  known  of  our  Ducks.  It 
breeds  from  about  the  parallel  of  Massachusetts  north- 
ward to  the  Arctic  circle  in  the  interior,  and  is  rare  upon 
the  coast,  though  in  some  of  .the  Aleutian  Islands  a  few 
remain  all  winter.  It  is  a  hardy  bird  and  able  to  with- 
stand severe  cold.  The  Golden  Eye  breeds  in  the  hol- 
lows of  trees,  the  entrance  often  appearing  to  be  absurdly 
small  for  the  size  of  the  Duck,  but  like  other  web-footed 
tree-nesting  species  it  finds  no  difficulty  in  entering  its 
chosen  abode.  The  eggs  are  a  pale  grayish  green  color, 
and  from  six  to  eight  seem  to  be  the  full  complement. 
This  beautiful  Duck  is  known  to  many  as  the  "Whistler," 
and  beside  this  name  it  is  called  Spirit  Duck,  Whistle 
Wing,  Whiffier,  Great  Head,  Bull  Head,  and  Plongeur 
in  Louisiana.  Its  principal  appellation,  of  Whistler,  is 
given  on  account  of  the  shrill  noise  the  wings  make 
when  the  bird  is  flying;  a  sound  so  sharp  and  penetrating 
that  the  species  is  indicated  long  before  it  comes  clearly 
into  view. 

The  Golden  Eye  rises  directly  from  the  water,  but  not 
with  a  spring  like  the  Mallard  or  Dusky  Duck,  flying  low 
at  first,  but  rapidly  rising  until  it  has  attained  a  lofty 
altitude,  when  it  moves  on  in  a  straight  line,  and,  from 
the  first  motion  made  to  leave  the  water,  the  loud 


GOLDEN  EYE.  1 77 

"  whistle  "  of  the  wings  is  heard.  The  Whistler  is  a  high 
flyer,  and  upon  the  sea-coast  pays  but  little  attention  to 
decoys,  although  it  will  occasionally  come  to  them.  It  is 
generally  seen  singly  or  in  pairs,  the  male  frequently 
leading  the  female,  though  at  times  their  positions  are 
reversed  as  is  usually  the  case  with  Ducks  when  traveling 
in  pairs,  but  in  the  interior  small  flocks  are  not  uncom- 
mon, especially  upon  the  rivers,  which  are  much  fre- 
quented by  this  species.  The  large  thickly  crested  or 
rather  fluffy  head  of  this  Duck  is  beautifully  resplendent 
with  metallic  green  hues,  particularly  noticeable  when 
the  sun's  rays  fall  upon  it,  the  brighter  portions  contrast- 
ing with  those  in  shadow,  like  brilliant  emeralds  lying  on 
dark  green  velvet.  The  Indians  along  the  River  Yukon 
stuff  the  skin  of  this  Duck  and  ornament  it  with  beads, 
and  give  it  to  a  child  for  a  doll  or  toy. 

As  a  diver  the  Golden  Eye  ranks  as  a  master.  So  in- 
stantaneous are  its  movements  upon  the  water  when  dis- 
appearing below  the  surface,  that  shot  from  a  gun  cannot 
travel  to  the  spot  it  occupied  quickly  enough,  if  the  bird 
has  seen  the  flash,  for  it  is  under  water  at  once.  The  In- 
dians are  superstitious  about  it  on  account  of  its  wonder- 
ful quickness,  and  the  name  of  Spirit  Duck  was  given  to  it 
by  them  as  typifying  a  being  endowed  with  supernatural 
powers.  It  is  able  to  keep  up  this  rapid  diving  for  a  long 
while,  and  one  will  waste  his  time  if  he  waits  hoping  to 
catch  a  Golden  Eye  napping.  This  Duck  feeds  at  the 
sea-coast,  on  shell-fish  mainly,  which  it  procures  by  div- 
ing, but  on  inland  lakes  and  rivers  it  must  eat  grasses  and 
roots,  for  its  flesh  has  a  very  different  flavor  and  is  ten- 
der and  delicate.  In  South  Carolina  it  visits  the  rice- 
fields  and  feeds  on  the  grain.  It  is  often  seen  in  company 
with  the  Little  Broad  Bill,  BufHe  Head,  and  sometimes 
with  Mergansers,  paddling  along  near  the  banks  of 


1 78  WATER  FOWL. 

marshes,  and  dabbling  in  the  mud,  sifting  it  between  the 
mandibles.  Not  often  is  it  in  the  habit  of  alighting  in  the 
open  water  away  from  the  land,  and  whenever  it  does  do 
so  it  appears  uneasy,  as  if  anticipating  some  unseen  dan- 
ger, and  is  one  of  the  first  Ducks  to  take  wing  should  an 
alarm  be  sounded. 

When  the  weather  is  stormy,  heavy  rains  or  snow,  the 
Golden  Eye  keeps  close  to  the  shore,  and  if  on  a  river, 
flies  up  and  down  near  the  bank.  It  does  not  seem  to 
be  so  wild  on  stormy  days,  perhaps  being  more  anxious 
to  find  a  shelter  from  the  gale,  and  less  mindful,  for  the 
moment,  of  possible  danger  to  itself  from  the  usual  causes. 
The  Whistler  is  a  silent  bird,  its  wings  generally  provid- 
ing all  the  noise  it  makes,  but  occasionally  I  have 
heard  it  utter  a  hoarse  kind  of  croak  similar  to  that  made 
by  the  Merganser,  but  at  no  time  anything  resembling  a 
quack.  The  European  Golden  Eye  I  consider  specific- 
ally the  same  as  the  American  bird.  It  has  been  claimed 
that  the  two  are  distinct,  the  difference  consisting  mainly 
in  size,  the  European  being  somewhat  smaller.  It  is  too 
fine  a  distinction  and  nothing  is  gained  by  this  attempt 
to  separate  the  birds,  scientifically  or  otherwise,  for  such 
an  unsatisfactory  reason. 


CLANGULA   CLANGULA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America,  from  the  Arctic 
Sea  to  Mexico  and  Cuba.  Breeds  from  Massachusetts  and  the 
British  Provinces,  northward.  In  Old  World  from  Great  Britain 
to  Japan,  and  from  Arctic  regions  to  Northern  Africa. 

Adult  Male. — A  rather  bunchy  occipital  crest,  extending  a 
short  distance  down  the  hind  neck.  Head  and  upper  part  of 
neck,  glossy  green,  with  purple  reflections.  A  large,  rather  oval 
white  spot  on  lower  part  of  the  lores,  advancing  close  to  base  of 
bill.  Lower  part  of  neck,  upper  part  of  back,  short  scapulars, 


GOLDEN  EYE.  1?9 

greater  wing  coverts,  most  of  the  secondaries  and  under  parts 
generally,  pure  white.  Rest  of  upper  parts,  long  scapulars,  and 
some  secondaries,  black.  Base  of  secondaries,  black,  forming  an 
indistinct  bar  hidden  under  the  white  tips  of  greater  coverts. 
Primaries  and  their  coverts,  brownish  black.  Outer  webs  of  up- 
permost flank  feathers,  partly  or  wholly  white.  Tail,  ashy. 
Bill,  greenish  black.  Legs  and  feet,  orange;  webs,  dusky.  Iris, 
golden  yellow.  Total  length,  about  20  inches;  wing,  8^;  tail,  4-$-; 
tarsus,  li;  culmen,  i^%;  bill,  height  at  base,  T%;  width,  T9ff;  width 
of  nail,  i. 

Adult  Female. — Head  and  upper  part  of  neck,  hair  brown. 
Collar  on  neck,  very  narrow  behind;  white,  streaked  with  bluish 
gray.  Back,  blackish  brown;  feathers,  on  upper  back,  edged 
with  bluish  gray;  those  of  upper  tail  coverts,  tipped  with  pale 
brown.  White  on  wings  not  so  extensive  as  on  those  of  the 
male.  Tips  of  greater  wing  coverts,  black,  forming  a  bar 
across  the  white.  Primaries,  brownish  black.  A  band  of  bluish 
gray  across  upper  part  of  breast.  Under  parts,  white.  Thighs, 
dusky.  Tail,  dark  brown,  like  the  back.  Bill,  dull  yellowish, 
shaded  with  blackish  brown.  Bills  of  different  individuals  vary  in 
color.  Legs  and  feet,  orange;  webs,  dusky.  Iris,  golden  yellow. 
Wing,  8  inches;  tail,  4^;  culmen,  iT35;  tarsus,  i-^;  bill,  height  at 
base,  T9ff;  width  at  base  £>;  width  of  nail,  |.  Height  of  bill  from 
point  of  angle  to  nearest  cutting  edge  LESS  than  the  distance 
between  the  farthest  edge  of  nostril  and  nearest  feathers  at  base 
of  bill. 

Downy  Young. — Upper  parts,  dark  brown;  throat,  white; 
breast  and  flanks,  pale  brown;  belly,  pale  gray. 


BARROW'S  GOLDEN  EYE. 

A  NEAR  relative  to  the  Common  Golden  Eye,  the  pres- 
*"*  ent  bird,  sometimes  called  the  Rocky  Mountain  Gar- 
rot,  is  much  more  restricted  in  its  range,  and  although  it 
occurs  in  Iceland,  may  be  regarded  as  essentially  an 
American  species.  In  the  West  it  breeds  as  far  south  in 
the  Rocky  Mountains  as  Colorado,  and  in  the  East  from 
the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  northward.  It  has  been  pro- 
cured at  Sitka,  Alaska,  and  noticed  by  Ball  on  the  Yukon, 
but  its  appearance  in  that  Territory  is  probably  only  ex- 
ceptional in  the  northern  portions.  It  breeds  also  in 
Greenland  and  Iceland.  In  winter  it  goes  south  on  the 
Eastern  coast  to  New  York,  and  to  Illinois,  Utah,  and 
Colorado  in  the  West.  As  yet  it  has  not  been  found 
west  of  the  mountains  south  of  Alaska. 

For  a  long  time  this  Duck  was  confounded  with  the 
Common  Golden  Eye,  and  supposed  by  some  to  be 
merely  a  phase  of  the  summer  dress  of  the  well-known 
bird.  It  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  interior,  and  I  have  never 
seen  it  upon  any  of  our  coasts,  though  it  does  at  times 
visit  the  vicinity  of  the  ocean.  In  the  Rocky  Mountains 
it  has  been  found  breeding  at  a  high  altitude  and  it  is 
believed  to  nest  in  Maine.  It  breeds  in  the  hollows  of 
trees,  as  is  the  habit  of  the  Whistler,  and  the  number  of 
eggs  is  from  six  to  ten.  They  are  dark  grayish  green  in 
color.  In  Iceland,  where  trees  are  scarce,  this  species 
nests  in  holes  in  the  ground,  especially  among  the  blocks 
and  in  the  crevices  of  broken  lava,  in  company  with  the 


BARROW'S  GOLDEN  EYE.  181 

Merganser.  Sometimes  these  holes  are  so  deep  that  the 
eggs  are  entirely  out  of  reach. 

Barrow's  Golden  Eye  is  a  somewhat  larger  and  hand- 
somer bird  than  the  common  species,  with  the  crested 
head  beautifully  colored  in  metallic  hues  of  green,  blue, 
and  violet,  changing  as  the  rays  of  light  fall  upon  it. 
The  large  crescentic  white  mark  before  the  eye  in  the 
male  will  always  easily  distinguish  this  bird  from  its  rela- 
tive, and  it  is  to  be  wondered  that  the  two  were  ever  con- 
sidered as  one  species.  The  females  of  the  two  forms 
are  very  difficult  to  distinguish  apart,  and  at  times  will 
bother  even  an  expert.  The  chief  difference  is  in  the  bill, 
that  of  Barrow's  Golden  Eye  being  much  shorter  and 
higher  at  the  base.  Another  method  of  distinguish- 
ing these  birds  is  given  at  the  end  of  the  description 
of  the  plumage;  but  the  dress  of  the  females  is 
almost  identically  the  same.  The  present  species  fre- 
quents our  lakes  and  rivers  and  feeds  upon  shell-fish  and 
grasses.  I  have  found  it  at  times  quite  numerous  on  the 
St.  Lawrence  near  Ogdensburgh,  and  have  killed  a 
goodly  number  there  over  decoys,  and  some  speci- 
mens, procured  on  these  occasions,  are  now  in  the 
Museum  of  Natural  History  in  New  York.  The  two 
species  were  associated  together  on  the  river,  and  I  never 
knew  which  one  would  come  to  the  decoys,  but  I  do  not 
remember  that  both  ever  came  together  unless  it 
might  be  the  females,  for,  as  I  have  said,  it  was -difficult  to 
distinguish  them  without  an  examination. 

The  birds  would  fly  up  and  down  the  river,  doubtless 
coming  from,  and  going  to,  Lake  Erie,  stopping  occa- 
sionally in  the  coves  to  feed,  and  floating  down  with  the 
current  for  a  considerable  distance,  when  they  would  rise 
and  fly  up  stream  again.  My  decoys  were  always  placed 
in  some  cove  or  bend  of  the  stream  where  the  current  was 


i8z  WATER  FOWL. 

least  strong,  for  I  noticed  the  birds  rarely  settled  on  the 
water  where  it  was  running  swiftly.  This  Duck  decoys 
readily  in  such  situations,  and  will  come  right  in,  and  if 
permitted  settle  among  the  wooden  counterfeits.  They 
sit  lightly  upon  the  water  and  rise  at  once  without  effort 
or  much  splashing.  The  flight  is  very  rapid,  and  is  ac- 
companied with  the  same  whistling  of  the  wings  so 
noticeable  in  the  Common  Golden  Eye.  In  stormy 
weather  this  bird  keeps  close  to  the  banks,  seeking  shel- 
ter from  the  winds.  It  dives  as  expertly  as  its  relative, 
and  frequently  remains  under  water  for  a  considerable 
time.  The  flesh  of  those  killed  upon  the  river  was  tender 
and  of  good  flavor,  fish  evidently  not  having  figured 
much  as  an  article  of  their  diet. 

CLANGULA  ISLAND  1C  A. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America,  from  the  Arctic 
regions  south  to  northern  New  York,  Illinois,  Utah,  and  Col- 
orado. Greenland,  Iceland.  Occasional  in  Alaska.  Accidental 
in  Europe.  Breeds  from  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  northward. 

Adult  Male.— A.  slight  occipital  crest.  Head  and  upper  part 
of  neck,  glossy  bluish  black,  in  some  specimens  with  greenish 
reflections  in  certain  lights.  A  large  triangular  shaped  white 
patch,  similar  in  form  to  a  crescent,  upper  end  pointed,  lower 
end  rounded,  occupies  the  space  at  base  of  bill.  Lower  part 
of  neck,  and  under  parts,  pure  white  ;  upper  parts,  velvety 
black;  outer  row  of  scapulars,  with  oblong  white  spots.  A 
lengthened  white  patch  on  wing,  formed  by  the  middle  coverts, 
ends  of  the  greater  coverts,  and  exposed  parts  of  inner  second- 
aries. Bases  of  greater  wing  coverts,  black,  forming  a  bar  across 
the  white  portion.  Feathers  of  sides  and  flanks,  white  with 
outer  edges  black.  Thighs  and  sides  of  crissum,  dull  black. 
Tail,  brownish  black,  with  a  greenish  gloss.  Bill,  black.  Feet 
and  legs,  orange  yellow;  webs,  dusky.  Length,  about  22 
inches;  wing,  9,  tarsus,  i|;  culmen,  i-fV>  height  of  bill  at  base, 
average,  i;  width  of  nail,  £;  width  of  bill  at  base,  f. 

Adult  Female. — Head  and  neck,  snuff  brown;  darkest  on  top 


BARROW'S  GOLDEN  EYE.  183 

of  head  and  back  of  neck.  A  narrow  white  collar  at  base  of 
neck.  Upper  parts,  brownish  black;  feathers  of  back,  margined 
with  light  gray.  White  patch  on  wing,  crossed  by  a  black  bar. 
Lesser  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  white.  Upper  part  of  breast, 
sides,  and  flanks,  blue  gray;  feathers,  edged  with  grayish  white. 
Rest  of  under  parts,  white.  Bill,  horn  color,  paler  in  some  speci- 
mens than  in  others,  at  times  almost  verging  into  yellow,  with  a 
spot  on  the  culmen,  and  the  edge  of  maxilla,  and  the  nail,  black 
or  brownish  black.  Legs  and  feet,  pale  orange;  webs,  dusky. 
Wing,  8T%  inches;  culmen,  6£;  height  of  bill  at  base,  ^;  width  at 
base,  T7T;  width  of  nail,  ^;  tarsus,  i^.  As  a  rule  the  bill  of  the 
female  of  this  species  is  much  shorter  and  higher  at  the  base  for  its 
relative  length,  as  well  as  narrower  when  viewed  from  above,  than 
is  that  of  the  female  of  the  Golden  Eye.  Mr.  Ridgway  distin- 
guishes the  two  species  by  the  height  of  the  maxilla  as  compared 
with  the  distance  from  the  feathered  edge  at  the  base  of  the  bill  to 
the  farthest  or  anterior  edge  of  the  nostril.  In  this  species  these 
measurements  would  be  EQUAL.  Whether  this  character  would 
hold  good  in  a  large  series  of  specimens,  I  am  unable  to  say,  for 
there  is  a  great  variation  in  the  size  of  the  bills,  but  generally,  I 
believe  that  this  method  of  separating  the  females  of  these 
species  can  be  relied  on. 

Downy  Young. — Top  and  sides  of  head,  chocolate  brown, 
darkest  on  head.  Neck,  chest,  and  flanks,  pale  brown.  Throat 
and  under  parts,  white. 


BUFFLE    HEAD    DUCK. 

CTRICTLY  a  North  American  species,the  Ruffle  Head 
is  found  pretty  generally  from  the  Arctic  Sea  to 
Mexico  and  Cuba.  In  Alaska  it  is  not  common  on  the 
coast,  but  has  been  met  with  on  some  of  the  Aleutian 
Islands,  and  Stejneger  procured  it  on  the  Commander 
Islands,  showing  that  it  goes  to  the  Asiatic  side  of  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  but  probably  only  incidentally,  not  as  a 
regular  visitant.  While  a  constant  dweller  upon  our 
lakes  and  rivers,  the  Dipper  also  comes  to  the  sea-coasts 
as  soon  as  the  inland  waters  are  frozen.  It  is  a  cold- 
weather  Duck,  and  only  appears  within  our  borders  when 
driven  south  by  the  coming  of  winter.  Its  appearance  is 
generally  an  indication  that  severe  weather  will  follow. 
The  male  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  sprightly  of  our 
native  Ducks,  and  is  a  great  ornament  to  our  waters. 
The  female,  on  the  contrary,  in  her  subdued  grayish 
brown  plumage,  lacks  entirely  the  attractive  dress  of  her 
lord,  and  would  easily  escape  notice  even  among  plainly 
attired  birds.  But  the  male  seems  conscious  of  his 
beauty,  and,  when  upon  the  water,  moves  rapidly  about, 
turning  first  one  side  then  the  other  to  the  observer,  and 
elevating  or  contracting  his  fluffy  crest,  causing  its  metal- 
lic colors  to  scintillate  in  the  sun's  rays. 

This  pretty  Duck  has  had  many  names  given  to  it 
among  which  are,  Butter  Ball,  Spirit  Duck,  Marionette, 
Butter  Box,  and  Scotch  Teal;  but  those  most  gener- 
ally employed  are  Buffle  Head  and  Dipper,  already  men- 
tioned. This  species  nests  in  hollow  trees,  lining  the 


BUFFLE   HEAD  DUCK.  185 

bottom  of  the  cavity  with  down,  on  which  are  deposited 
from  six  to  ten  grayish  white  eggs,  and  sometimes  these 
are  placed  so  far  down  in  the  hollow  as  to  be  almost  out 
of  reach,  being  more  than  an  arm's  length  away  from  the 
opening.  As  a  diver  the  Butter  Ball  takes  rank  among 
the  most  expert  of  our  Ducks,  disappearing  so  quickly, 
and  apparently  with  so  little  exertion,  that  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  shoot  it  when  sitting  on  the  water.  When 
alarmed,  with  a  sudden  flip  up  of  its  tail  and  a  scattering 
of  a  few  drops  of  water,  it  vanishes  beneath  the  surface, 
appearing  almost  immediately  at  no  great  distance  from 
where  it  went  under,  and  either  dives  again  at  once,  or 
takes  wing,  which  it  does  easily  and  without  any  fuss. 
Sometimes  half  a  dozen  of  these  birds  will  gather  to- 
gether in  a  sheltered  piece  of  water,  and  be  very  busy 
feeding.  A  few  will  dive  with  a  sudden  jerk,  as  if  drawn 
beneath  the  surface  by  an  invisible  string,  and  the  others 
will  quietly  swim  about  as  if  on  the  watch.  The  first  that 
went  under  water  having  returned  to  the  surface,  the 
others  dive,  and  so  it  goes  on  for  a  long  time.  Occa- 
sionally all  will  disappear,  and  then  the  first  one  to  rise 
seems  much  disconcerted  at  not  finding  anyone  on  watch 
and  acts  as  if  he  was  saying  to  himself  that  if  he  "  had 
only  known  their  unprotected  state,  he  would  never 
have  gone  under/' 

The  flight  of  the  BufHe  Head  is  very  rapid,  and 
generally  performed  in  a  straight  line.  So  speedy 
is  its  course  that  it  flashes  by  one  like  a  feathery 
meteor,  its  wings  forming  a  haze  around  the  body,  so 
quickly  do  they  move,  and  it  is  no  easy  thing  to  kill  one 
in  the  air  as  it  hurls  itself  along.  When  alighting  the 
bird  makes  a  considerable  splash  and  noise,  sliding  along 
for  a  couple  of  feet  or  so,  before  becoming  stationary. 
It  utters  at  times  a  single  guttural  note,  which  sounds 


1 86  WATER  FOWL. 

like  a  small  edition  of  the  hoarse  roll  of  the  Canvas  Back 
and  other  large  diving  Ducks.  The  male  Dipper  has  a 
habit,  when  swimming,  of  stretching  out  and  drawing  in 
its  neck,  occasionally  raising  its  bill  as  high  as  it  possibly 
can,  at  the  same  time  puffing  out  the  feathers  of  the 
head.  I  have  noticed  that  this  is  done  mostly  in  the 
spring,  when  its  thoughts  are  perhaps  "  lightly  turning 
toward  love,"  and  it  may  be  an  attractive  gesture  com- 
mon to  the  courting  season.  At  all  events,  when  the 
head  is  held  high  in  the  air,  with  crest  expanded  and  the 
sun  shining  on  its  brilliant  coloring,  he  presents  for  so 
small  a  creature  a  very  gallant  and  handsome  appearance. 
The  flesh  of  this  Duck  is  very  palatable,  and  is  excellent 
when  broiled.  In  the  spring  the  males  precede  the  fe- 
males on  their  northern  migration,  and  arrive  at  their 
destination  several  days  before  their  fair  ones.  The  Dip- 
per feeds  on  a  variety  of  objects,  such  as  fish  and  mol- 
lusks  on  the  sea-coasts,  and  snails,  leeches,  grasses,  and 
other  water  plants  in  the  interior. 

CHARITONETTA  ALBEOLA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America,  from  the  Arctic 
Ocean  to  Mexico  and  Cuba.  Breeds  from  Maine  and  Montana, 
northward. 

Adult  Male. — A  broad  white  band  extends  from  behind  and 
beneath  the  eye  to  the  occiput.  Rest  of  head  and  top  of  neck, 
glossed  with  metallic  green,  purple,  violet,  and  bronze  reflec- 
tions. The  feathers  of  the  head  are  puffed  out,  and  lengthened 
on  sides  and  back.  Lower  part  of  neck,  entire  under  parts, 
large  patch  on  wing,  composed  of  wing  coverts  and  outer  webs 
of  secondaries,  and  scapulars,  white.  Inner  secondaries,  black. 
Primaries,  black.  Back  and  rump,  black,  fading  into  the  pearl 
gray  of  the  upper  tail  coverts.  Tail,  dark  gray,  with  white  edges 
to  the  feathers.  Bill,  bluish  gray;  nail,  dusky.  Iris,  dark  brown. 
Legs  and  feet,  flesh  color;  webs,  darker.  Total  length,  about 
14$  inches;  wing,  6£;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  i^. 


BUFFLE  HEAD   DUCK,  187 

Adult  Female.— Head  and  neck,  dusky  brown;  top  of  head, 
darkest.  A  white  patch  or  stripe  on  cheeks  and  ear  coverts. 
Upper  parts,  blackish  brown,  grading  into  black  on  the  rump. 
Wings,  dusky  brown.  Apical  half  of  outer  webs  of  secondaries, 
white,  forming  a  speculum.  Upper  part  of  breast,  sides,  anal 
region,  and  lower  tail  coverts,  dull  gray.  Rest  of  under  parts, 
white.  Tail,  grayish  brown.  'Bill,  dusky,  slightly  plumbeous  on 
edge  and  tip.  Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray;  webs,  dusky.  Total 
length,  about  13^ inches;  wing,  5T%;  culmen,  i;  tarsus,  i^. 

The  females  vary  slightly  from  each  other,  some  having  more 
white  on  the  wings;  the  secondaries,  and  the  tips  of  the  greater 
wing  coverts,  also,  being  of  that  hue. 


LONG-TAILED   DUCK:   OLD   SQUAW. 

IN  North  America  the  Old  Squaw  is  found  from  the 
Arctic  Sea  to  the  Potomac  and  Ohio  rivers  and  occa- 
sionally in  Florida,  Texas,  and  California,  but  it  is  met 
with  mainly  along  the  sea-coast,  although  in  winter  it  is 
observed  in  considerable  numbers  on  Lake  Michigan  and 
in  Wisconsin.  It  comes  to  its  far  northern  breeding 
grounds,  on  the  Alaskan  coast  of  Behring  Sea,  about  the 
middle  of  May,  being  among  the  very  earliest  arrivals  of 
the  Duck  tribe.  It  is  found  on  the  Aleutian  Islands  and 
has  been  known  to  winter  around  Unalaska. 

Nelson  states  that  these  birds  do  not  reach  their  nest- 
ing grounds  from  the  sea  until  the  ice  has  nearly  all  dis- 
appeared from  the  ponds  and  creeks,  and  the  females 
begin  to  lay  about  the  I2th  of  May,  and  from  that  date  to 
the  25th.  The  nests  are  usually  placed  upon  the  sloping 
grassy  banks  of  the  ponds  close  to  the  water,  and  the 
parents  keep  in  the  neighborhood.  During  the  period  of 
courtship  the  male  frequently  swims  rapidly  about  the 
female,  with  his  long  tail  feathers  elevated  and  vibrating 
from  side  to  side,  and  during  this  display  he  utters  his 
love  note.  The  voice  of  this  Duck  is  soft  and  with  rather 
a  sweet  tone;  the  three  notes  usually  uttered  resem- 
bling somewhat  the  words.  "  Old,  South  Southerly,"  or 
"  South  South  Southerly,"  ending  with  a  rising  inflec- 
tion. Occasionally  the  female,  when  pressed  by  too 
ardent  a  lover,  suddenly  dives,  followed  by  her  partner, 
and  they  as  quickly  appear  again  and  are  on  the  wing, 
when  a  chase  follows,  both  birds  diving  when  at  full 


LONG-TAILED  DUCK:    OLD   SQUAW.  189 

speed,  and  mounting  again  in  the  air.  This  is  kept  up 
until  both  are  tired.  Occasionally  other  males  join  in 
the  pursuit  after  the  female,  uttering  their  musical 
notes,  until  the  lady,  finding  that  she  has  too  much  com- 
pany, retires  to  some  secluded  pond  with  her  accepted 
lover,  leaving  the  others  to  seek  pastures  new.  In  their 
habit  of  diving  when  on  the  wing  during  courtship  with- 
out relaxing  their  speed,  they  are  imitated  by  no  other 
Duck  save  the  Sprigtail.  The  nest  is  composed  of  grass 
stems  and  is  lined  with  dowrn,  and  the  eggs,  of  an  olive  or 
grayish  green  color,  are  from  five  to  nine  in  number.  By 
the  last  of  June  the  young  are  nearly  all  hatched  and  they 
remain  about  the  ponds  until  the  middle  of  August,  when 
they  usually  go  to  the  shores  of  the  bays.  It  is  one  of  the 
last  species  to  leave  the  Arctic  regions  in  the  autumn,  and 
does  not  depart  until  the  ponds  and  creeks,  and  even  the 
sea  itself,  are  frozen  over.  In  certain  places,  as  some  of 
the  Aleutian  Islands,  where  the  sea  may  remain  open  at 
least  to  a  considerable  extent,  it  stays  all  winter. 

The  summer  dress  of  this  Duck  is  quite  different  from 
that  of  the  winter,  and  is  almost  a  sooty  black  with  a 
rufous  tinge  upon  the  head,  neck,  and  breast;  the  latter, 
however,  being  rather  lighter.  Sometimes,  however, 
the  winter  dress,  according  to  Nelson,  is  retained 
throughout  the  nesting  season,  and  there  is  so  much 
gradation  observable  among  individuals  between  the  two 
costumes  that  it  is  very  difficult  to  procure  any  in  perfect 
summer  dress.  As  the  ice  commences  to  form  the  birds 
retreat,  and  get  well  out  to  sea  before  they  begin  their 
migration  southward.  It  is,  however,  such  a  hardy  bird, 
and  seems  so  to  love  a  freezing  temperature,  that  it  does 
not  hurry,  and  goes  on  its  way  toward  the  south  only  as 
the  waters  become  congealed  or  blocked  with  floes  of  ice, 
and  thus  compel  it  to  move  on.  The  Old  Squaw  breeds 


190  WATER  FOWL. 

in  Iceland  and  other  parts  of  Northern  Europe,  also  on 
the  lower  Anderson  River,  on  the  Barren  Grounds,  and 
on  small  islands  in  the  bays  on  the  Arctic  coast. 
The  number  of  eggs  varies  from  five  to  seven,  and  they 
are  always  covered  by  the  down  plucked  from  the  breast 
of  the  female. 

This  species  does  not  seem  to  visit  our  Western  coast, 
south  of  Alaska,  but  in  its  migration  trends  to  the 
eastward,  and  enters  our  limits  east  of  the  Mississippi 
River.  While  it  cannot  be  at  all  classed  with  the 
fresh-water  Ducks,  it  is  abundant  at  times  on  some  of  the 
larger  Western  lakes,  making  its  appearance  toward 
the  last  of  October,  about  the  time  when  all  the  smaller 
lakes  and  streams  are  frozen.  It  is  fond  of  the  sea,  and 
is  frequently  seen  in  flocks  off  shore  just  beyond  the  line 
of  breakers  that  hurl  their  white  crests  along  the  beach, 
rising  and  falling  with  the  waves,  or  diving  into  the 
depths  in  search  of  food,  or  flying  up  and  down  parallel 
with  the  land,  now  disappearing  between  the  billows  in 
the  trough  of  the  waves,  again  rising  above  their  crests, 
the  flocks  speeding  on  in  long  drawn  out  lines.  The 
flight  of  this  Duck  is  exceedingly  rapid,  indeed  it  may  be 
regarded  as  among  the  swiftest  of  the  tribe,  and  its 
powers  of  diving  are  excelled  by  none.  It  is  so  expert 
at  this,  and  disappears  from  view  so  instantaneously  and 
with  so  little  effort,  that  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  kill  it 
when  on  the  water,  the  bird  vanishing  before  the  shot 
can  reach  it. 

When  the  water  is  calm,  and  the  sun  has  gained  a  cer- 
tain amount  of  power  as  it  returns  on  its  northern  jour- 
ney from  below  the  equator,  the  Old  Squaws  gather 
together  in  small  parties  on  the  open  water  of  the  sounds 
away  from  land,  or  on  the  bosom  of  the  ocean,  a  gun- 
shot or  so  from  shore,  and  sleep  or  dress  their  feathers, 


LONG-TAILED  DUCK:    OLD   SQUAW.  19 1 

perhaps  dive  a  little  and  bring  up  some  choice  eatable 
from  or  near  the  bottom.  At  -such  times  their  musi- 
cal notes  are  constantly  borne  to  the  observer's  ear,  of 
South,  south,  southerly,  or  as  Nelson  writes  it  A-kedle-a 
(which,  however,  does  not  convey  the  sounds  to  my  ear), 
and  the  pleasing  chorus,  rising  from  one  portion  or  an- 
other of  the  assembled  birds,  disturbs  with  tuneful 
sounds  the  stillness  that  rests  upon  the  sleeping  water. 
The  food  of  the  Old  Squaw  is  various  small  shell-fish, 
fry,  and  insects,  fresh-water  or  marine,  according  to  the 
locality  in  which  the  bird  happens  to  be.  As  an  article 
of  food  little  can  be  said  in  favor  of  this  Duck,  for  either 
the  flesh  is  tasteless  and  tough,  or  else  fishy  and  disa- 
greeable. It  is  a  very  difficult  bird  to  kill,  for  it  flies  with 
such  swiftness  that  it  is  no  easy  mark  to  hit,  and  requires 
a  very  powerful  blow  to  bring  it  down.  If  only  wounded 
it  is  almost  impossible  to  capture,  as  it  dives  with  such 
dexterity  and  so  persistently,  and  stays  under  water  so 
long,  that  it  will  tire  completely  either  man  or  dog. 

In  various  parts  of  the  land,  besides  those  already 
given,  and  by  which  it  is  best  known,  it  has  many  names, 
some  of  which  are,  South  Southerly — from  its  cry,  Old 
Wife,  Old  Injun,  Old  Molly,  Old  Granny,  Cockawee  or 
Caccawee,  Coween,  Swallow-tailed  Duck,  Long- 
tailed  Duck,  Scolder,  and  Noisy  Duck.  There  are 
others  which,  however,  are  mostly  purely  local,  and  fa- 
miliar only  to  ,a  few.  The  male  is  a  handsome  bird, 
whether  in  winter  or  summer  dress,  the  long  tail  feathers 
being  very  ornamental,  and  especially  conspicuous  when 
the  bird  is  rushing,  with  far  more  than  the  swiftest  rail- 
road speed,  through  the  air.  It  is  probably  one  of  the 
species  of  Ducks  that  will  remain  with  us  the  longest,  as 
the  poor  quality  of  its  flesh  prevents  it  from  being  sought 
after  as  an  article  of  food,  and  sportsmen  pay  little  or  no 


192  WATER   FOWL. 

attention  to  it,  save  when  no  other  Wild  Fowl  can  be 
procured. 

Perhaps,  when,  from  continuous  and  ruthless  slaugh- 
ter, beginning  with  the  destruction  of  the  eggs  in  the  far 
north,  and  the  persecution  of  the  birds  throughout  their 
long  journeys  to  the  southland  and  back  to  their  breed- 
ing places,  the  majority  of  our  Ducks  have  been  annihi- 
lated, and  the  now  despised  Mud  Hen  or  Blue  Peter 
(Fulica  americana)  has  become  the  game  water  bird  of  our 
successors,  then  the  Old  Squaw,  in  its  descendants,  may 
rise  to  the  first  rank  of  desirable  Ducks,  and  be  the 
choicest  and  most  eagerly  sought  species  of  Water  Fowl 
in  the  opinion  of  future  sportsmen.  But  when  that  day 
comes,  as  undoubtedly  it  surely  will,  and  the  majority  of 
our  magnificent  Water  Fowl  has  become  extinct,  one 
dreads  to  think  of  the  loneliness  and  stillness  of  our 
marshes,  lakes,  and  tidal  waters,  which,  once  resounding 
in  spring  and  autumn,  aye  and  in  many  places  through- 
out the  winter,  with  the  glad  cries  and  cheerful  calls  of 
countless  busy  feathered  creatures,  will  then  lie  tenant- 
less  and  deserted,  never  more  to  echo  with  the  voices  of 
Nature's  happy  children,  stilled  forever. 

*  HA  VELD  A    GLACIALIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  Hemisphere.  In  North 
America  from  Arctic  Ocean  to  Florida,  Texas,  and  California, 
rare  though  in  these  States.  In  the  Old  "V^orld  from  Great 
Britain  to  Japan  and  China,  occasionally  in  winter  going  to  the 
Mediterranean.  Breeds  in  Arctic  regions. 

Adult  Male  in  Summer. — Lores,  fore  part  of  cheeks,  and  sides 
of  forehead,  mouse  gray.  A  line  above  the  gray  from  forehead 
passing  over  the  eye  and  joining  one  from  beneath  the  eye  and 
extending  to  above  ear  coverts,  white.  Rest  of  head,  neck,  and 
upper  parts,  sooty  black;  the  feathers  on  upper  part  of  back 

*  See  Appendix,  page  290. 


LONG-TAILED  DUCK :    OLD    SQUAW.  193 

and  the  scapulars  having  the  edges  fulvous.  Wing  coverts, 
brownish  black;  secondaries,  grayish  on  outer  web,  edged  with 
whitish.  Primaries,  black  at  tip;  dark  purplish  brown  on  outer 
webs,  with  light  edges.  Four  middle  tail  feathers,  black,  with 
white  shafts,  the  central  pair  greatly  elongated,  rest  of  tail, 
white;  some  feathers,  dark  brown  on  outer  web  along  the  shaft. 
Breast  and  tipper  part  of  abdomen,  chocolate  brown;  rest  of  un- 
der parts  and  flanks,  white.  Bill,  black,  with  a  broad  rose  pink 
band  crossing  the  maxilla  in  front  of  the  nostrils.  Iris,  light 
hazel.  Legs  and  feet,  pale  bluish  white;  webs,  dusky.  Total 
length  varies  greatly  according  to  the  elongation  of  the  central 
pair  of  tail  feathers,  from  21  to  23  inches;  wing,  8T97;  culmen,  i^; 
tarsus,  i£;  middle  tail  feathers,  8  to  9^. 

Adult  Female  in  Summer. — Head  and  neck,  dark  grayish 
brown;  space  around  the  eye,  and  one  on  each  side  of  neck, 
grayish  white.  Upper  parts,  blackish  brown;  feathers  of  upper 
back,  with  light  brown  tips;  the  scapulars  almost  entirely  light 
brown,  with  blackish  brown  centers.  Wings,  similar  to  male. 
Upper  tail  coverts,  blackish  brown,  feathers  tipped  with  light 
brown.  Tail,  median  pair  not  elongated,  dark  brown  in  center, 
growing  lighter  toward  outer  feathers,  which  are  almost  entirely 
white.  Upper  part  of  breast  and  anterior  part  of  sides,  light 
brown,  rest  of  under  parts,  pure  white.  Bill,  dusky  olive  gray. 
Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray.  Iris,  yellow.  Total  length,  about  18 
inches;  wing,  8J;  culmen,  i;  tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Male  in  Winter.— Sides  of  head  and  orbital  region,  and 
in  some  specimens  also,  the  lores,  mouse  gray.  A  large  patch  on 
sides  of  neck,  black,  grading  into  mouse  gray  on  its  lower  por- 
tion. Rest  of  head,  including  the  eyelids,  and  neck,  upper  parts 
of  back  and  chest,  white.  Middle  of  back,  rump,  upper  tail  cov- 
erts, and  wings,  black.  Scapulars,  pearl  gray.  Secondaries, 
reddish  brown.  Tail,  black  on  median  feathers;  central  pair, 
elongated,  growing  lighter  toward  outer  feathers,  which  are 
nearly  all  white.  Breast  and  upper  part  of  abdomen  chocolate 
brown,  in  some  specimens,  black;  rest  of  under  parts,  pure  white. 
Bill,  orange  yellow;  basal  half  on  sides,  and  nail,  black.  Iris, 
carmine.  Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray. 

Adult  Female  in  Winter. — Forehead  and  crown,  dusky;  ear 
coverts,  throat,  and  space  about  the  eye,  grayish  white.  Rest  of 
head,  neck,  and  lower  parts,  white.  Jugulum,  brown.  Upper 
parts,  dark  brown;  the  scapulars,  wing  coverts,  outer  web  of 


194  WATER  FOWL. 

secondaries  and  feathers  of  the  rump,  edged  with  pale  raw  umber 
brown,  sometimes  with  ashy.  Tail,  grayish  brown,  edges  of 
feathers,  ashy;  central  pair  not  elongated. 

Young. — Similar  to  female,  but  the  head  and  upper  parts, 
darker  and  without  the  light  border  to  the  feathers  of  the  latter. 
Lores,  grayish  brown,  and  the  light  patch  about  the  eye  smaller 
and  rather  indistinct;  upper  part  of  breast,  brownish  black,  with 
gray  tips  to  the  feathers,  graduating  into  the  pale  gray  of  the 
lower  breast.  Under  parts,  pure  white.  Feathers  of  the  tail, 
grayish  brown,  with  white  margins.  In  this  stage  of  plumage, 
this  bird  is  very  somber  and  unattractive. 

Downy  Young. — Head  and  upper  parts,  hair  brown.  Grayish 
white  markings  near  eye;  dusky  stripe  from  corner  of  mouth  to 
back  of  head.  Under  parts,  white;  dark  brown  band  across 
breast. 


HARLEQUIN   DUCK. 

AS  fantastically  decorated  with  various  stripes  as  is  the 
face  of  the  Harlequin  marked  for  the  pantomime, 
this  bird  must  rank  as  one  of  our  beautiful  species  of 
Ducks.  It  is  a  native  of  the  northern  portions  of  both 
the  New  and  Old  World,  and  in  the  Eastern  Hemisphere 
goes  to  Japan.  In  North  America  it  ranges  from  the 
Arctic  regions  southward  to  the  middle  States  and  Cali- 
fornia, and  breeds  in  the  West  from  the  Rocky  and  Sierra 
Nevada  Mountains,  and  in  the  East  from  Newfound- 
land, northward.  It  cannot  be  said  to  be  a  common 
species  anywhere,  and  few  sportsmen  have  ever  seen  it  in 
life.  It  is  a  solitary  bird,  except  under  especial  circum- 
stances, and  goes  either  alone  or  in  pairs,  and  haunts  the 
most  retired  spots  along  the  mountain  streams,  where 
the  Ouzel  delights  to  sport  itself  in  the  running  water, 
or  under  the  sparkling  curtain  of  the  foaming  cascade. 
It  breeds  in  such  situations,  but  just  where  the  nest  is 
situated  does  not  yet  seem  to  be  fully  established.  I 
have  neu^r  seen  it,  and  the  accounts  given  of  its  situa- 
tion prove  that  the  bird  alters  its  habits  in  a  way  not  imi- 
tated by  any^bther  Duck,  and  influenced  by  the  locality  in 
which  it  may  find  itself.  Thus  Mr.  C.  W.  Shepard  states 
that  he  found  it  breeding  in  Iceland  in  holes  in  trees  on 
the  banks  of  the  River  Laxa,  and  Dresser  says  that  the 
nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  although  he  has  never  seen 
the  nest  himself,  nor  does  he  give  any  authority  for  his 
statement.  Manv  observers  have  met  with  the  old  birds 


196  WATER  FOWL. 

and  their  broods  of  different  ages,  but  no  one  save  Mr. 
Shepard  and  Mr.  Pearson,  hereafter  mentioned,  appears 
really  to  have  found  the  nest.  At  one  time  the  Harle- 
quin Duck  was  not  at  all  uncommon  in  winter  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  as  far  as  New  York,  but  of  late  years  it 
does  not  come  much  farther  south  than  the  shores  of 
Maine.  Ing-Alaska^  this  Duck  apusapQ-to-by^d  in  the 
interior  along  TFilTmountain  streams  that  flow  into  the 
great  r\rrr~,  in  rhr  Innrjjrnti  rjnrtjnf  rhnt-rfrnntr  northern 
wilderness^  The  "species  is  also  at  times  quite  numerous 
a'bout  the"Aleutian  Islands,  frequenting  the  inner  bays 
near  the  mouths  of  fresh-water  streams,  also  in  the  outer 
bays  and  between  the  islands. 

Nelson  says  that  at  the  beginning  of  June  at  Unalaska 
the  birds  had  united  in  very  large  flocks,  of  several  hun- 
dred, were  very  shy,  and  when  alarmed  moved  away  with 
a  confused  noise  of  gabbling,  chattering  notes.  He  thinks 
they  undoubtedly  breed  among  the  islands,  but  no  nest 
was  found.  At  the  Seal  Islands  they  remain  all  the  year 
except  when  the  ice  compels  them  to  leave  for  a  season. 
The  Indians  along  the  Yukon  stuff  the  skin  of  this  Duck 
and  decorate  it  with  beads  and  bright  cloth  as  toys  for 
the  children.  The  Harlequin  Duck  follows  the  West 
coast  south  as  far  as  Puget  Sound.  It  breeds  in  the 
Rocky  Mountains  at  various  altitudes,  and  according  to 
Mr.  Belden,  as  given  by  Brewer,  he  has  seen  numerous 
broods  on  the  Stanislaus  River,  Calaveras  Co.,  California, 
every  summer  at  a  height  of  about  four  thousand  feet. 
The  ducklings  were  exceedingly  active  in  the  water,  tum- 
bling over  cascades  and  through  rapids  in  a  most  aston- 
ishing manner. 

Along  our  Eastern  coast,  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Law- 
rence to  Maine,  this  Duck  appears  in  greater  or  less 
numbers  every  winter.  The  females  outnumber  the 


HARLEQUIN  DUCK.  197 

males  considerably,  and  it  is  easier  to  get  a  half  dozen 
females  or  young  birds  than  one  male  in  perfect  dressi  It 
flies  very  swiftly,  and  when  shot  will  often  dive  headlong 
into  the  waters/In  swimming  the  Harlequin  sits  lightly 
on  the  water,  and  the  little  flock  (perhaps  all  members  of 
one  family),  are  usually  preceded  by  the  male,  the  others 
following  demurely  after  him.  If  alarmed,  they  dive  at 
once,  and  are  very  expert  in  all  under-water  tactics. 
This  species  feeds  chiefly  on  mollusks  andother  shell- 
fish^Turner  says  that  the  common  black  mussel  in 
Alaska  is  much  sought  after  by  this  Duck,  and  it  is 
constantly  diving  for  it.  Sometimes  this  bivalve  seizes  the 
bird  by  the  bill,  and  does  not  release  its  hold  until  its  vic- 
tim ceases  to  struggle  and  so  indicates  that  life  is  extinct. 
As  a  rule  the  Harlequin  is  a  silent  bird,  but  in  the  mat- 
ing season  it  utters  a  peculiar  whistle,  generally  made  by 
the  male  in  his  efforts  to  secure  a  ™*+f>  nr>  afrrM1nt  n* 
its  restricted  jange  not  many  names  have  been  applied  to 
it,  but  iTTsTknown  as  PaintH  Pnr1^,1?"^  r>nck,  and  Lord 
and  Lady,  the  latter  on  account  of  its  beauty.  In  refer- 
ence to  the  nesting  and  breeding  habits  of  the  Harlequin 
Duck,  I  wrote  to  my  friend  the  late  Captain  Charles  Ben- 
dire  of  the  National  Museum,  Washington,  who  knew 
more  about  nests  and  eggs  than  any  other  man  in 
America,  and  he  replied  as  follows :  "  The  Harlequin 
Duck  undoubtedly  nests  both  in  our  mountain  ranges  in 
the  interior,  Rockies,  and  Sierra  Xevadas,  as  well  as  on 
many  of  the  treeless  islands  of  the  Alaskan  Peninsula  and 
tke  Kujile  Islands,  and  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  it 
breeds  both  in  hollow  trees  where  such  are  available,  and 
either  on  the  ground  or  in  holes  made  by  Puffins  where 
it  can  find  such,  not  far  from  water.  From  what  I  have 
been  able  to  learn  from  one  of  my  correspondents  I  be- 
lieve they  breed  early,  even  in  Alaska.  He  writes  me, 


I98  WATER  FOWL. 

'  I  have  killed  many  of  them  on  the  Kuriles  during  the 
months  of  May,  June,  and  July,  but  they  never  contained 
ova  of  any  size,  so  I  conclude  that  they  must  lay  earlier, 
and  my  belief  has  been  strengthened  by  killing  a  female 
in  Alaska  which  contained  eggs  as  large  as  grapes  early 
in  March.'  Mr.  A.  W.  Anthony  [continues  Captain 
Bendire],  writes  me  that  a  family  of  downy  young  were 
seen  near  Silverton,  Colorado,  on  July  I5th  and  one  was 
taken.  He  states  they  are  not  uncommon  there  during 
the  nesting  season.  They  have  also  been  observed  dur- 
ing this  time  in  Calaveras  Co.  and  I  have  personally 
seen  a  family  of  eight  or  nine,  with  full-grown  young  in 
July,  1879,  near  Wenatchee,  Kittitas  Co.,  Washington, 
on  the  Upper  Columbia,  and  shot  two  of  the  birds. 
There  are  no  North  American  eggs  of  this  species  in  the 
National  Museum  collection,  and  I  do  not  believe  its 
nest  has  as  yet  been  found  within  the  United  States.  I 
should  judge  the  egg  to  be  correctly  described;  it  is  fig- 
ured by  Hewitson  in  British  Zoology,  and  by  Baedeker, 
Die  Eicr  eurpoieschen  Vogel." 

In  the  Ibis  for  April,  1895,  the  Messrs.  Pearson,  writ- 
ing upon  some  "  Birds  observed  in  Iceland,"  state  that 
Mr.  H.  J.  Pearson  on  the  nth  of  July,  1894,  visited  some 
islands  composed  of  lava,  in  the  middle  of  a  river,  and 
that  the  water  ran  like  a  mill  race  through  three  or  four 
channels  worn  in  the  lava.  On  these  islands  he  found 
six  nests  of  the  Harlequin  Duck,  three  of  them  not  two 
feet  from  the  water  hidden  under  the  leaves  of  the  wild 
anchelica,  and  the  other  three  in  holes  in  the  banks,  pro- 
tected by  a  screen  of  plants.  One  contained  seven  eggs. 
Very  little  down  was  in  any  of  the  nests.  Many  old  nests 
were  in  these  holes,  they  having  been  apparently  a  favor- 
ite breeding  place  for  years.  Mr.  Pearson  saw  flocks  of 
more  than  thirty  males  together  on  several  occasions 


HARLEQUIN  DUCK.  199 

sitting  on  the  rocks,  or  sporting  in  rapids  so  swift  that 
few  birds  would  be  apt  to  frequent  them. 


HISTRIONIC  US  HISTRIONICUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  New  and 
Old  Worlds,  ranging  as  far  to  the  eastward  as  Japan.  In  North 
America  from  the  Arctic  regions  to  the  Middle  States  and  Cali- 
fornia. Breeds  from  Newfoundland  and  northern  Rocky  Moun- 
tains and  Sierra  Nevada,  northward. 

Adult  Male. — Lores,  with  a  stripe  extending  along  the  crown; 
a  round  spot  near  the  ears,  a  long  narrow  stripe  on  side  of  upper 
hind  neck,  a  narrow  collar  around  lower  part  of  neck,  frequently 
interrupted  in  front ;  a  broad  bar  across  sides  of  breast  in  front  of 
wing;  middle  of  scapulars,  portion  of  tertials,  a  round  spot  on 
lesser  wing  coverts,  tips  of  some  of  the  greater  wing  coverts  and 
a  round  spot  on  each  side  of  crissum,  pure  white.  Under  side  of 
neck,  collar,  and  bar  on  side  of  breast  above  and  below,  bordered 
with  black.  Center  of  forehead,  crown,  and  nape,  black,  bordered 
on  either  side  with  chestnut.  Rest  of  head  and  neck,  dark 
plumbeous,  glossed  with  violet,  inclining  to  black  along  the  mar- 
gins of  the  white  markings.  Upper  parts,  leaden  blue,  grading 
into  blue  black  on  lower  part  of  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts. 
Wing  coverts,  bluish  slate.  Speculum,  deep  bluish  violet. 
Primaries  and  tail  feathers,  dusky  black.  Breast,  plumbeous; 
abdomen,  sooty  gray,  grading  into  the  black  of  the  crissum  and 
under  tail  coverts.  Sides  and  flanks,  bright  rufous.  Bill,  bluish 
gray  in  front  of  nostrils,  basal  part,  dark  olive  gray,  tip,  paler. 
Iris,  reddish  brown  or  dark  hazel.  Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray; 
webs,  dusky.  Total  length,  about  17^  inches;  wing,  7T8^ ;  culmen,  i ; 
tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — Lores,  spot  above  and  in  front  of  eye,  and 
larger  one  behind  eat,  white.  Rest  of  head,  neck,  jugulum,  and 
upper  parts,  dark  brown,  inclining  to  sooty  brown  on  head  and 
rump.  Wings  and  tail,  glossy  blackish  brown,  with  an  inclina- 
tion to  a  purple  gloss  in  some  lights.  Breast,  sides,  flanks,  cris- 
sum, and  under  tail  coverts,  light  reddish  brown,  with  indistinct 
black  spots  in  the  center  of  feathers  on  breast.  Abdomen,  white, 
becoming  much  mottled  with  brown  on  lower  part,  and  passing 
into  the  reddish  brown  of  the  crissum.  Bill,  legs,  and  feet,  dark 


200  WATER   FOWL. 

bluish  graj'.  Iris,  brown.  Total  length,  about  17  inches;  wing, 
7^;  culmen,  i;  tarsus,  i£.  * 

The  male  in  summer  has  a  much  duller  plumage  than  in  win- 
ter, and  the  pattern  of  the  coloration  not  so  clearly  and  sharply 
defined.  In  some  portions  of  his  dress  at  this  season  he  resem- 
bles the  adult  female,  and  is  not  such  a  brave-looking  gallant  as 
he  appears  in  the  winter  garb. 

Young  Male. — White  markings  of  head  and  neck,  less  pure 
than  in  the  adult,  and  the  bar  alongside  the  black  on  crown 
is  yellowish  brown,  somewhat  mixed  with  white.  Head  and 
neck,  dusky,  with  a  bluish  tinge.  Back  and  wings,  dusky;  edges 
of  feathers,  paler.  Some  of  the  tertials  with  white  centers.  No 
speculum.  Tips  of  greater  coverts,  pale  grayish  brown,  forming 
bar  on  the  wing.  Rump,  sooty  brown.  Upper  tail  coverts,  sooty, 
tipped  with  pale  brown.  Tail,  light  brown.  The  white  collar 
at  base  of  neck  merely  indicated,  and  the  white  bars  before  the 
bend  of  the  wing  about  half  as  long  as  in  the  adult.  Breast  and 
under  parts,  sooty  brown,  mottled  with  white,  lightest  (almost 
white)  on  lower  breast,  and  becoming  reddish  brown  on  under 
tail  coverts.  Flanks,  pale  chestnut. 

Young, — Resembles  the  female,  but  darker  above;  the  upper 
part  of  breast,  sides,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts,  tinged  with 
brown. 

Downy  Young. — Top  of  head  and  nape,  blackish  brown; 
cheeks  and  neck,  white;  upper  parts,  blackish  brown;  a  white 
spot  on  each  wing  and  thigh ;  under  parts,  white. 


SURF   SCOTER. 

S  Coot  is  peculiar  to  North  America  and  is  found 
from  the  Arctic  Sea  to  Lower  California  on  the 
Pacific,  and  to  Florida  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  It  is  also 
met  with  on  the  Great  Lakes,  and  through  Illinois  in  win- 
ter, to  Missouri.  In  fact  its  dispersion  is  almost  precisely 
that  of  the  White-winged  Scoter.  It  breeds  in  similar 
latitudes,  from  Labrador  to  the  Arctic  Ocean  on  the  east- 
ern part  of  the  continent,  and  at  Sitka,  also  at  the  mouths 
of  the  Yukon,  and  about  St.  Michael's  on  the  western  side, 
As  it  goes  in  summer  to  both  sides  of  Behring  Straits, 
and  to  Norton  and  Kotzebue  sounds,  it  may  have  other 
breeding  places  farther  north  than  those  given.  In  win- 
ter it  is  met  with  throughout  the  Aleutian  Islands.  The 
nest  is  similar  to  that  of  the  White-winged  Scoter,  and  is 
placed  in  like  situations.  The  eggs,  usually  from  five  to 
eight  in  number,  are  white  with  a  pinkish  tinge.  Some- 
times in  the  far  north  males  of  this  species  collect  to- 
gether in  immense  numbers,  and  Nelson  tells  of  a  flock 
met  with  by  him  near  Stewart  Island,  about  ten  miles 
out  to  sea  from  St.  Michael's,  which  formed  a  continuous 
band  around  the  outer  end  of  the  island  for  about  ten 
miles  in  length  and  from  one-half  to  three-fourths  of  a 
mile  in  width.  As  he  drew  near  to  this  great  mass  the 
birds  close  to  him  began  to  rise,  and  their  movements 
were  imitated  by  those  ahead  of  them  until  soon  the 
entire  mighty  host  of  birds  rose  with  the  "  roar  of  a  cata- 
ract," and  in  a  great  black  cloud  swept  out  to  sea,  and 


202  WATER  FOWL. 

settled  again  some  distance  away.  Later  in  the  season 
the  females  and  young  join  these  gay  bachelors,  and  by 
the  middle  of  October  are  met  with  in  small  flocks,  all 
along  the  coasts,  where  they  remain  until  the  ice  begins 
to  form  and  drives  them  away.  In  the  mating  season 
they  utter  a  low  clear  whistle,  and  will  come  to  a  decoy 
when  this  note  is  imitated.  In  the  winter  it  frequents 
the  sheltered  coves  and  bays  in  the  Aleutian  Islands  and 
is  very  shy  and  dives  and  goes  a  considerable  distance 
under  water,  when  alarmed. 

The  Surf  Duck  appears  on  our  coast  in  company  with 
the  other  Coots  in  October,  and  is  the  most  numerous  of 
all  the  species.  It  remains  just  outside  the  line  of  inner 
breakers,  or  between  them  and  the  beach,  often  coming 
quite  close  in,  and  in  small  companies  passes  the  day  in  rid- 
ing the  waves  and  exploring  their  depths.  It  often  enters 
the  large  bays,  and  occasionally  is  very  abundant  on  the 
Chesapeake  in  the  vicinity  of  Norfolk,  and  out  toward 
the  ocean.  The  birds  are  frequently  seen  dotting  the 
surface  of  the  water  in  every  direction,  and  \vhen  a  boat 
approaches,  will  wait  until  it  is  almost  on  to  them,  when 
they  either  dive,  or  rise  heavily,  flapping  the  water  with 
both  wings  and  feet  until,  gaining  headway,  they  fly  low 
for  a  short  distance  and  drop  with  a  splash  into  the  waves 
again.  All  three  species  of  Coots  are  often  seen  in  such 
situations,  but  as  a  rule  each  keeps  by  itself,  though  occa- 
sionally, from  the  rapid  approach  of  some  steamer,  the 
members  of  the  flocks,  on  rising,  get  mixed  together. 
But  they  do  not  remain  so  long,  each  species  again  seek- 
ing its  fellows.  As  these  Ducks  are  heavy  and  rise  from 
the  water  with  difficulty,  they  are  always  obliged  to  take 
wing  against  the  wind,  but  if  they  are  so  situated  that,  to 
do  this,  they  must  fly  toward  the  object  of  their  alarm, 
they  always  take  refuge  in  diving;  frequently  passing 


SURF  SCOTER.  203 

completely  under  a  steamer  and  appearing  on  the  other 
side. 

As  the  weather  increases  in  severity  during  the  winter 
the  Surf  Scoters  move  southward,  coming  gradually 
northward  as  spring  approaches,  and  by  the  month  of 
May  they  are  well  on  their  way  toward  their  northern 
breeding  grounds.  This  species  has  straggled  south  as 
far  as  Bermuda,  and  there  are  two  records  of  its  appear- 
ance in  that  island,  and  it  has  also  occasionally  been  cap- 
tured in  Europe,  but  these  are  merely  wanderers  from 
their  fellows  and  native  land,  blown  off  their  route  pos- 
sibly by  some  storm.  The  Surf  Scoter  has  many  trivial 
names,  and  is  known  as  the  Hollow-billed  Coot,  Skunk 
Head  Coot,  Spectacle  Coot,  Spectacle  Duck,  Surf  Duck, 
Horse  Head  Coot, Bay  Coot, Butterboat-billed  Coot,  etc.; 
while  the  females  and  young  are  called  Gray  Coot  and 
Brown  Coot.  Although  none  of  the  Coots  can  be  called 
handsome  Ducks,  yet  the  peculiar  markings  of  the  head, 
and  the  bright  coloring  of  the  bill  of  the  present  species, 
almost  entitles  it  to  that  epithet.  As  an  article  of  food  the 
Surf  Scoter  is  not  generally  much  sought  after,  as  its 
flesh  is  tough  and  fishy,  but  Turner  says  that  in  Alaska 
those  obtained  among  the  Aleutian  Islands  were  very 
good  indeed,  and  if  well  prepared  the  flesh  was  free  from 
all  strong  odors.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  perhaps  the 
absence  of  dishes  obtainable  in  more  southern  climes, 
and  the  presence  of  an  appetite  excited  by  much  open- 
air  exercise,  had  a  great  deal  to  do  with  this  opinion,  for 
in  the  United  States  few  people  care  to  dine  on  Coot. 

(EDEMIA   PERSPICILLATA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  North  America,  from 
the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  on  the  large  inland 
waters.  Going  south  in  winter  to  Florida  on  the  east  coast;  the 


204  WATER  FOWL. 

Ohio  River  in  the  interior,  and  to  Lower  California  in  the  west. 
Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions.  Accidental  in  Bermuda  and  in 
Europe. 

Adult  Male.— Triangular  spot  on  forehead,  with  the  point 
forward,  occupying  nearly  all  the  space  between  the  eyes,  and 
another  large  one  on  nape,  pointing  downward,  white.  Entire 
rest  of  plumage,  glossy  black,  lightest  on  under  parts;  no  white 
on  wing.  Bill  has  the  "  upper  mandible  (maxilla),  above  at  base, 
including  nostrils,  dull  crimson,  this  changed  to  flame  scarlet 
over  the  front  of  the  mandible  (maxilla);  nail,  cadmium  yellow, 
narrowly  edged  anteriorly  with  lighter  yellow,  and  sometimes 
posteriorly  with  light  lavender;  sides  with  large  squarish  patch 
of  black  at  base,  this  separated  from  the  black  feathering  above 
it  by  orange,  and  from  the  feathering  behind  by  a  narrower  edge 
of  crimson;  beneath  this  black  patch  and  in  front  of  it  as  far  as 
anterior  edge  of  nostril,  or  thereabouts,  continuously  white,  the 
remainder  of  the  sides  (anteriorly  to  the  white  portion),  pure 
orange;  lower  mandible  nail  like  its  fellow  above;  back  of  this 
for  a  short  distance,  reddish  flesh  color,  terminating  irregularly 
in  white,  the  white  continued  to  the  base,  with  more  or  less 
black  on  the  naked  skin  between  the  rami;  feet,  outer  sides 
of  tarsus  and  toes,  excepting  inner  toe,  crimson;  the  inner 
side,  with  both  sides  of  inner  toe,  orange  chrome,  deepening 
in  part  to  orange  vermilion;  joints  and  other  portions  blotchily 
marked  with  black;  webs,  solidly  black." — Trumbull.  Iris, 
white;  pupil,  black.  Total  length,  about  21  inches;  wing,  g±; 
culmen,  i£;  tarsus,  !•&. 

Adult  Female. — Top  of  head  and  nape,  brownish  black.  A 
more  or  less  distinct  patch  on  lores,  and  another  behind  the  ears, 
white.  Rest  of  head  and  neck  ashy  brown.  Upper  parts,  dusky 
brown,  with  some  feathers  having  paler  tips;  under  parts,  gray- 
ish brown,  nearly  white  on  the  abdomen;  some  of  the  flank  feath- 
ers tipped  with  white  or  whitish  brown,  anal  region  and  under 
tail  coverts,  dusky.  Wing  like  the  upper  parts,  no  white.  Bill, 
black,  with  a  greenish  tinge.  Iris,  dark.  Feet  and  legs,  brown- 
ish yellow;  webs,  black.  Total  length,  about  19  inches;  wing,  9; 
culmen,  iTy,  tarsus,  IT%. 

Young  Male. — Resembles  very  closely  the  female,  but  the 
white  spots  on  lores  and  sides  of  head  are  clearer,  and  there  are 
traces,  or  beginnings,  of  the  large  white  patch  on  the  nape.  Bill 
is  slightly  tumid  at  base,  with  pinkish  tinge  on  sides  anteriorly. 


SURF  SCO  TEX.  205 

Among  adult  males  there  is  considerable  variation  in  the  white 
marking  of  the  head.  Sometimes  the  patch  on  the  fore  part  of 
crown  is  wanting,  and  there  is  considerable  difference  in  the  size 
of  these  markings  when  present.  The  coloring  of  the  bill,  also, 
varies  at  times  from  the  typical  style,  some  individuals  having 
more  black  than  others. 


AMERICAN   SCOTER. 

HP  HIS  Duck  has  a  wide  dispersion  in  North  America, 
and  is  found  from  the  Arctic  Sea  to  Southern  Cali- 
fornia on  the  Pacific,  to  the  Great  Lakes  in  the  interior 
of  the  continent,  and  to  New  Jersey  and  possibly  much 
farther  south  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  It  has  been  pro- 
cured at  St.  Louis  in  Missouri,  and  is  a  rare  visitor  to  Illi- 
nois and  perhaps  some  of  the  adjacent  States.  It  is 
abundant  at  Hudson  Bay,  but  is  present  in  greater  num- 
bers, in  the  breeding  season,  on  the  Alaskan  coasts  than 
in  almost  any  other  portion  of  the  extreme  north.  It 
abounds  about  Behring  Sea  and  Kotzebue  Sound,  and 
has  been  seen  at  St.  Lawrence  Island,  breeds  on  the 
Nearer  Islands,  occurs  on  the  Commander  Islands  and 
the  Shumagin  group,  is  a  winter  resident  in  the  Aleutian 
Islands,  and,  according  to  Swinhoe,  has  been  taken  in 
China  and  Japan. 

The  species  comes  to  St.  Michael's,  Nelson  says,  when 
the  ice  begins  to  break  up  on  the  sea.  and  the  ponds  in 
the  marshes  are  open.  Toward  the  end  of  May  the 
birds  frequent  these  last,  and  mating  having  been  accom- 
plished a  site  for  the  nest  is  chosen.  This  is  generally  in 
the  grass  near  to  water,  and  formed  of  grass,  feathers, 
leaves,  and  moss.  If  any  low-branching  tree  or  bush  is 
handy,  the  nest  is  often  placed  beneath  it.  As  a  rule  it 
is  carefully  -  hidden,  and  the  eggs  are  covered  by  the 
female  whenever  she  goes  away.  When  incubation  com- 
mences the  males  leave  the  females  and  gather,  as  is  the 
custom  of  the  Eiders,  in  great  flocks  along  the  sea-shore 


AMERICAN  SCOTER.  207 

in  the  vicinity  of  a  bay  or  inlet.  These  assemblies  con- 
tinue to  grow  in  numbers  throughout  the  summer. 
Sometimes  the  males  are  seen  with  the  females  in  the 
marshes  throughout  the  season,  but  these  are  late 
breeders.  The  young  are  kept  by  the  females  near  the 
nest  in  some  pond  until  half  grown,  and  then  they  gradu- 
ally work  their  way  down  to  the  sea.  Their  habits  dur- 
ing the  breeding  season  are  very  much  like  those  of  the 
Eiders. 

About  the  middle  of  October  the  migration  southward 
begins.  Upon  the  Atlantic  coast  the  American  Scoter 
appears  from  its  northern  breeding  grounds  in  Septem- 
ber. These  individuals  are  mainly  old  birds,  the  young 
coming  during  October.  They  are  associated  with  the 
two  other  species  of  Scoter,  and  continue  to  pass  along 
the  coast  until  late  in  the  winter.  The  present  species  is 
less  numerous  than  the  others,  and  while  the  members  of 
the  flocks  usually  keep  pretty  well  together,  they  yet  at 
times  become  all  mixed  up  with  the  White-winged  and 
Surf  Scoters.  They  keep  at  quite  a  distance  from  the 
beach,  and  fly  in  a  long  line  just  above  the  water,  headed 
generally  by  some  old  male.  They  travel  at  a  great  speed, 
sometimes  at  the  rate  of,  possibly,  one  hundred  miles  an 
hour,  and  are  very  difficult  to  kill,  not  only  because  of  the 
rapidity  of  their  flight,  but  also  on  account  of  the  density 
of  their  feathers,  which  to  a  great  extent  prevents  the  shot 
from  entering  the  body.  As  a  diver,  like  all  Sea  Ducks, 
this  Scoter  is  most  skillful,  disappearing  without  effort 
beneath  the  surface,  and  remaining  for  an  exceedingly 
long  time  without  rising.  If  wounded  it  will  frequently 
seize  some  grass  growing  on  the  bottom,  as  already  re- 
lated of  some  other  deep-water  Ducks,  and  commit 
suicide  by  drowning  rather  than  permit  itself  to  be  cap- 
tured. If  the  water  is  clear,  the  bird  can  be  seen  close  to 


2o8  WATER  FOWL. 

the  bottom,  and  if  an  oar  can  be  made  to  reach  it,  by  re- 
peated pushes  it  can  be  compelled  to  release  its  hold, 
when  it  usually  rises  to  the  surface,  though  sometimes  it 
will  swim  to  another  clump  of  grass  and  hang  on  to  that. 

This  species  utters  a  long  musical  whistle,  and  it  can 
often  be  distinguished  by  this  note  from  the  other  Ducks 
in  the  vicinity.  In  windy  weather  these  birds  fly  very 
low  over  the  water,  and  if  disturbed  by  a  passing  boat, 
when  resting  on  the  surface,  if  they  rise  at  all,  it  will  be 
to  fly  for  only  a  short  distance,  and  then  drop  with  a 
splash,  and  usually  dive  at  once  if  the  object  of  their 
alarm  is  near.  In  calm  weather  they  fly  very  high,  espe- 
cially when  migrating.  They  mate,  as  do  many  of  the 
Water  Fowl,  before  the  spring  migration  begins,  and  the 
male  will  often  be  seen  following  the  female  closely  about 
whenever  she  is  upon  the  wing.  Should  anything  hap- 
pen to  her  he  frequently  returns  to  seek  her,  but  if  he  is 
the  sufferer  she  pays  no  attention  to  him,  but  continues 
on  her  way  with  apparent  indifference. 

This  Duck  has  many  names,  the  best  known  being, 
Black  Coot,  Whistling  Coot,  Butter-billed,  and  Hollow- 
billed  Coot,  while  the  female  is  called  Gray  and  Brown 
Coot.  There  are  quite  a  number  of  other  names,  many 
of  them  purely  local.  The  color  of  the  eggs  is  a  pinkish 
ivory  white.  The  male  of  this  Duck,  while  arrayed  in  a 
melancholy  dress  of  intense  black,  has  one  brilliant  spot, 
in  the  place  that  would  be  most  suspicious  and  unattrac- 
tive in  man,  but  which  is  all  right  in  a  bird,  viz. :  around 
and  behind  the  nostrils.  The  basal  part  of  the  bill  bulges 
up  and  is  a  bright  orange,  slightly  paler  above.  This  bit 
of  color  relieves  the  appearance  of  what  would  be  other- 
wise a  gloomy  and  somber-looking  creature.  As  a  bird 
for  the  table,  the  adults  of  this  species,  like  those  of  the 
two  succeeding,  are  abominable. 


AMERICAN  SCOTER.  209 


CEDEMIA   AMERICANA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  North  America,  from 
the  Arctic  Ocean  to  California  on  the  Pacific,  and  to  the  Great 
Lakes  in  the  interior  (accidental  in  Missouri),  and  to  New  Jersey 
on  the  Atlantic  coast.  Breeds  from  Labrador  throughout  the 
Arctic  regions,  Aleutian  Islands,  and  Islands  of  Behring  Sea,  and 
is  said  to  visit  China  and  Japan. 

Adult  Male. — Entire  plumage,  black,  glossy  on  head,  neck, 
and  upper  parts.  No  speculum.  Inner  webs  of  primaries,  gray- 
ish. Bill,  black  on  apical  half,  bright  orange  on  basal  half,  in- 
cluding the  gibbous  portion,  or  knob.  Iris,  deep  brown.  Legs 
and  feet,  blackish.  Total  length,  about  18  inches;  wing,  8f; 
culmen,  including  knob,  if;  tarsus,  ijV 

Adult  Female. — Front,  crown,  and  nape,  dark  brown.  Chin, 
throat,  and  sides  of  head  and  neck,  light  grayish  brown,  speckled 
with  dusky.  Upper  parts,  sooty  brown,  tips  of  feathers,  lighter; 
under  parts,  grayish  brown;  feathers  on  lower  breast  and  abdo- 
men, frequentty  tipped  with  grayish  white.  Bill  of  normal 
shape,  black,  sometimes  with  yellow  marks.  Legs  and  feet, 
olive  brown;  webs,  black.  Total  length,  about  18  inches;  wing, 
8£;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  IT%. 

Young. — Resembles  the  female.  Chin,  throat,  sides  of  head 
and  neck,  brownish  white.  Under  parts,  whitish,  with  nebu- 
lous spots  of  brown.  Crissum,  grayish  brown;  feathers,  with 
whitish  tips. 

Downy  Young, — Upper  parts  and  breast,  dark  brown.  Throat, 
white.  Abdomen,  grayish  brown.  Bill,  dark  plumbeous.  Legs 
and  feet,  olive. 


VELVET  SCOTER. 

HPHE  Velvet  Scoter  is  a  bird  of  the  Old  World,  and  has 
only  been  obtained  a  few  times  within  the  limits  of 
North  America,  viz.,  in  Greenland  and  Alaska.  It  must 
then  be  regarded  as  an  accidental  visitor  to  our  shores, 
and  in  no  way  considered  as  an  American  species.  It  is 
rather  common  in  the  northern  portions  of  the  Eastern 
Hemisphere,  going  southward,  during  the  winter,  to  the 
Mediterranean  and  the  Caspian  seas.  Like  its  American 
ally,  this  Scoter  is  found  along  the  sea-coast,  flies  swiftly 
after  it  once  gets  started, — for  it  is  rather  clumsy  in  rising 
from  the  water,  as  it  is  a  heavy  bird, — swims  easily,  and 
is  a  most  expert  diver. 

The  nest  is  placed  upon  the  ground  near  some  pond. 
It  is  merely  a  depression,  hidden  under  a  bush,  and  lined 
with  grass,  leaves,  and  some  down,  and  the  number  of 
eggs  varies  from  eight  to  ten,  ivory  white  in  hue,  with  a 
buff  tinge.  The  habits  of  this  species  are  the  same  as 
those  of  the  American  Scoter.  When  incubation  begins 
the  males  desert  the  females,  and  assembling  together  re- 
sort to  the  sea,  and  the  islands  lying  off  shore.  When 
the  young  are  full  grown  they  and  the  females  join  the 
males,  and  begin  their  journey  southward.  The  Velvet 
Scoter  bears  a  close  resemblance  to  the  American  Scoter, 
but  has  a  differently  shaped  and  colored  bill,  which  easily 
distinguishes  the  two  forms. 


VELVET  SCOTER.  211 


(ED  EM  I  A  FUSCA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  the  Old 
World.  Occasional  in  Greenland  and  Alaska. 

Adult  Male. — General  plumage,  uniform  velvety  black.  Eye- 
lids and  spot  under  eyes,  white.  Speculum  formed  by  tips  of 
greater  coverts  and  secondaries,  white.  Bill,  orange,  much 
elevated  at  base,  with  a  black  line  running  obliquely  from  nostril 
to  the  nail.  Iris,  white.  Legs  and  feet,  dark  red,  or  crimson; 
webs,  black.  Total  length,  about  22  inches;  wing,  n;  culmen, 
i  A;  tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — A  spot  near  base  of  maxilla,  and  one  near  the 
ear,  and  also  the  secondaries,  white.  General  plumage,  brown- 
ish gray,  with  pale  edges  on  the  back  and  scapulars.  Under 
parts,  sooty  gray;  feathers,  edged  with  whitish.  Bill,  dusky. 
Legs  and  feet,  similar  in  color  to  those  of  male,  but  paler. 

Downy  Young. — Resembles  those  of  (E.  americana,  but  has 
a  white  spot  on  the  wings,  and  the  belly  white. 


WHITE-WINGED   SCOTER. 

A  WELL-KNOWN  species  along  our  coasts,  and  on 
our  inland  lakes  and  rivers  in  certain  portions  of 
the  West,  the  White-winged  Scoter  has  a  wide  distribu- 
tion throughout  North  America.  It  does  not  seem  to 
breed  as  far  north  as  the  American  Scoter,  but  has  been 
obtained  on  both  sides  of  the  continent,  and  goes  in  win- 
ter on  the  Pacific  coast  as  far  as  Southern  California  and 
to  the  Middle  States  on  the  Atlantic.  It  is  also  found 
upon  the  Great  Lakes,  being  common  on  Lake  Michigan, 
and  is  generally  met  with  throughout  Illinois  in  winter 
and  has  been  seen  in  Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  and  as  far 
south  as  the  vicinity  of  St.  Louis,  in  Missouri. 

As  the  White-winged  Coot  it  is  known  everywhere, 
and  is  usually  considered  of  little  value,  on  account 
of  the  poor  quality  of  its  flesh.  Its  habits  resemble  those 
of  the  other  Coots,  with  which  it  is  frequently  associated. 
In  Alaska  it  breeds,  about  St;  Michael's,  on  the  lower 
Yukon,  and  also  in  the  vicinity  of  Sitka,  and  occurs  very 
sparingly  among  the  Aleutian  Islands,  but  in  autumn  is 
common  along  the  coast  of  the  mainland  from  St. 
Michael's,  southward.  On  the  eastern  side  of  North 
America  it  breeds  along  the  Mackenzie  River  to  the 
Arctic  Sea,  on  the  Lower  Anderson  River,  and  on  the 
Barren  Grounds,  and  at  Hudson  Bay.  The  nest  is  placed 
upon  the  ground,  concealed  in  a  clump  of  trees,  or  under 
some  low,  spreading  bush,  and  is  a  mere  depression  in 
the  ground,  lined  with  down  and  feathers,  and  near  some 


WHITE-WINGED   SCOTER.  21$ 

pond  or  stream.  The  eggs,  which  are  from  five  to  eight 
in  number,  are  a  light  cream  color.  This  Duck  breeds, 
in  addition  to  the  places  already  mentioned,  in  Labrador, 
where  Audubon  found  the  nests  and  eggs  and  also  cap- 
tured some  of  the  young,  only  a  few  days  old.  The  nests 
were  placed  in  situations  similar  to  those  already  de- 
scribed, but  were  formed  of  twigs,  mosses,  and  plants 
matted  together  and  without  any  down.  He  says  the 
eggs  he  saw  were  pale  cream  color,  tinged  with  green. 
Although  the  young  he  procured  were  only  about  a 
week  old,  the  males  could  already  be  distinguished  from 
the  females  by  the  white  spot  under  the  eye.  The  down 
covering  them  was  stiff  and  hairy,  all  black  except  the 
chin,  which  was  white.  The  birds  were  present  in  great 
numbers  and  kept  arriving  all  the  time  from  the  Gulf  of 
St.  Lawrence. 

On  the  Atlantic  coast,  this  Coot  reaches  the  shores  of 
the  New  England  States  in  September  or  beginning  of 
October,  appearing  in  flocks  of  no  very  great  size,  the 
old  ones  coming  first.  When  migrating  the  birds  fly 
high,  and  they  pursue  their  way  in  silence.  If  the 
weather  is  stormy  their  course  is  low  over  the  water, 
rising  and  falling  with  the  waves,  now  just  topping  some 
combing  billow,  again  hidden  as  they  disappear  in  the 
trough  of  the  sea.  Although  their  flesh  is  poor,  tough, 
and  fishy,  numbers  of  this  Duck  are  shot  by  gunners 
every  season.  They  are  exceedingly  tenacious  of  life, 
and  are  clothed  in  such  a  dense  feathery  covering  that 
it  requires  a  gun  heavily  charged  to  bring  them  down; 
and  if  only  wounded  they  dive  so  quickly,  and  stay 
under  water  so  long,  that  it  is  next  to  impossible  to 
secure  them.  The  feathers  also,  beside  being  strong 
and  thick,  seem  as  if  they  were  inserted  through  the 
skin  and  clinched  on  the  under  side,  and  the  labor  of 


214  WATER  FOWL. 

picking  a  few  individuals  of  this  Coot  is  no  joke,  usually 
resulting  in  sore  fingers. 

Where  a  flock  is  flying  too  high  for  a  successful  shot, 
it  can  sometimes  be  brought  within  range  by  discharg- 
ing a  gun  at  it,  and  at  the  report,  the  birds  will  often 
make  a  sudden  plunge  downward  in  the  direction  of  the 
water,  coming  near  enough  to  the  sportsman  for  him  to 
kill  some  of  them.  The  Scoter,  as  has  been  said,  is  a 
skillful  diver,  and  will  frequently  go  to  the  bottom,  where 
the  water  is  fifty  feet  deep,  and,  if  wounded,  stay  there. 

This  Duck  has  many  names  among  the  sportsmen  and 
gunners,  some  of  the  best  known  being,  Velvet  Duck, 
Velvet  Scoter,  White-winged  Surf  Duck,  Coot,  Black 
Surf  Duck,  etc.  It  is  also  the  Lake  Huron  Scoter  de- 
scribed by  Herbert  (Frank  Forrester)  from  an  immature 
bird,  and  although  the  young,  when  it  has  fed  perhaps 
upon  such  diet  as  the  inland  lakes  afford,  is  not  (as  I 
know,  for  I  have  shot  numbers  of  them  in  such  waters 
myself)  as  fishy  as  the  birds  killed  on  the  coasts,  yet  it 
does  not  deserve  the  praise  he  gives  it.  The  food  of  this 
Duck  consists  of  fish,  mollusca,  and  various  crustaceans 
procured  by  diving. 

(ED  EM  I  A    DEC  LAND  I. 

Geographical  Distribution.— Northern  portions  of  North  Amer- 
ica on  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  coasts;  going  south  in  winter 
to  Chesapeake  Bay,  southern  Illinois,  vicinity  of  St.  Louis  in  Mis- 
souri, and  Lower  California.  Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

Adult  Male. — A  small  spot  under  eye,  and  speculum  on  wing, 
white.  Entire  plumage,  black,  inclining  to  brownish  black  be- 
neath; flanks  olive  brown.  Base  of  maxilla,  including  elevated 
culmen  and  nostrils,  together  with  the  edges,  black.  Sides  of 
maxilla,  deep  red,  grading  into  orange  on  culmen;  nail,  vermil- 
ion. Between  the  nail  and  nostril,  pearly  white.  Iris,  white,  or 
yellowish  white.  Legs  and  feet,  scarlet;  joints  and  webs,  black. 
Total  length,  about  20  inches;  wings,  n;  culmen,  iT6T;  tarsus,  2. 


WHITE-WINGED   SCOTER.  215 

Adult  Female. — Upper  part  of  head  and  neck,  dark  brown.  A 
white  spot  behind  the  ear,  and  another  indicated  at  base  of  max- 
illa. Rest  of  head  and  neck,  sooty  brown.  Upper  parts,  sooty 
brown;  speculum,  white."  Under  parts,  grayish  brown.  Bill, 
uniform  dusky.  Iris,  dark.  Legs  and  feet,  duller  than  those  of 
the  male,  flesh  color,  tinged  with  black;  webs,  black.  Wing,  io£; 
culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  i^. 

Young  Male. — Similar  to  the  female,  but  head  and  neck,  sooty 
black,  and  no  white  spot  beneath  the  eye  as  in  adult  male. 


STELLER'S   DUCK. 

'"THIS  very  beautiful  bird  is  only  found  within  our 
limits,  on  the  coasts  and  islands  of  Behring  Sea; 
it  also  breeds  along  the  northern  shores  of  Siberia, 
and  from  there  occasionally  straggles  into  Russia  and 
northern  Europe.  About  all  we  know  of  it  is  derived 
from  the  accounts  of  the  few  naturalists  who  have  visited 
its  habitat.  Nelson  says  he  found  it  rather  numerous 
in  the  quiet,  sheltered  bays  and  fjords  of  the  Aleutian 
Islands,  where,  however,  it  was  very  shy.  The  residents 
told  him  the  species  was  abundant  in  winter  in  the  bays 
not  ice-bound,  and  many  birds  were  killed  for  food.  It  is 
found  at  Kadiak  and  Sauk  Island,  near  the  eastern  end  of 
the  Aleutian  chain,  on  the  Shumagin  Group,  and  also  in 
great  flocks  on  the  north  coast  of  the  Alaskan  Peninsula. 
Dall  found  it  associating  with  the  King  Eider  in 
winter. 

The  mating  season  begins  in  May,  and  the  nest  is 
placed  between  tussocks  of  grass  and  lined  with  the 
same  material,  and  concealed  by  long,  overhanging 
grasses.  In  the  nest  found  there  was  a  single  egg,  which 
was  a  pale  grayish  green  color.  It  is  said  that  if  a  nest 
is  visited  the  bird  will  abandon  it  at  once. 

This  Duck  seems  to  be  irregular  in  its  movements  and 
does  not  always  appear  at  the  same  place  at  stated 
periods.  Thus  in  May,  1872,  it  was  very  abundant  at 
Unalaska  together  with  the  Pacific  Eider,  but  in  May, 
1873,  though  the  season  was  later,  not  a  single  member 
of  either  species  was  seen.  It  breeds  on  St.  Lawrence 


S  TELLER'S  DUCK.  217 

Island,  and  in  summer  passes  along  the  Siberian  coast 
from  Kamchatka  northward,  moving,  as  winter  ap- 
proaches, to  the  Aleutian  and  Kurile  islands  to  the 
south.  Steller's  Duck  frequents  lagoons  and  the 
mouths  of  large  rivers,  also  outlying  rocky  islets  and 
exposed  reefs,  and  feeds  in  the  tide-rips,  keeping  along 
the  shore  but  not  very  close  in,  where  the  water  is  clear 
and  deep.  It  dives  well  and  remains  a  long  time  below 
the  surface,  seeking  its  marine  food.  In  the  Arctic  Sea, 
at  Point  Barrow,  this  species  arrives  in  June  and  leaves 
by  the  middle  of  August,  and  in  Norton  Sound  the  birds 
are  taken  as  late  as  the  15th  of  October,  but  those  cap- 
tured are  mostly  young  of  the  year.  At  the  Commander 
Islands  they  arrive  at  the  beginning  of  November,  stay 
all  winter,  and  leave  by  the  end  of  May.  It  will  be  seen 
that  this  handsome  Duck  is  a  lover  of  cold  weather  and 
ice-bound  coasts,  and  makes  no  effort  to  join  the  hosts 
that  annually  in  the  autumn  seek  a  milder  clime,  but 
dwells  throughout  the  year  along  the  cheerless,  sterile 
shores  that  bound  the  Arctic  seas  and  islands.  Al- 
though it  has  been  taken  in  various  parts  of  Northern 
Europe,  even  in  the  British  Islands,  there  is  no  record 
of  its  capture  in  North  America  south  of  the  limits  of 
Alaska. 

HENICONETTA   STELLERI. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Arctic  and  Subarctic  coasts  of 
Northern  Hemisphere,  Islands  in  Behring  Sea,  Aleutian  Islands, 
and  coast  of  Alaskan  Peninsula,  east  to  Kadiak. 

Adult  Male. — Head  and  upper  part  of  neck,  satiny  white; 
space  around  the  eyes  on  each  side  of  occipital  tuft,  chin  and 
throat,  black.  Lores  and  tuft  of  stiff  feathers  on  occiput,  pale 
olive  green.  Lower  part  of  neck,,  middle  of  back,  rump,  and 
upper  tail  coverts,  blue  black.  Long  scapulars,  shining  blue 
black  on  outer  web,  and  white  on  the  very  narrow  inner  web; 


2l8  WATER  FOWL. 

other  scapulars  similarly  colored,  bend  downward  across  the 
wing,  falling  below  the  primaries.  Wing  coverts,  anterior  scap- 
ulars, and  sides  of  back,  pure  white.  Outer  webs  of  secondaries, 
shining  blue  black,  forming  a  speculum,  the  tips  white,  making  a 
bar  below  the  blue  black.  Primaries,  blackish  brown.  Under 
parts,  tawny,  deepest  on  breast  and  middle  of  abdomen,  which 
are  chestnut  or  even  black,  grading  into  light  buff  or  ochra- 
ceous  on  sides.  A  round  black  spot  on  each  side  of  the  breast  in 
front  of  primary  coverts.  Anal  regions  and  under  tail  coverts, 
black.  Tail,  brownish  black.  Bill,  light  bluish  gray,  yellowish 
at  tip.  Iris,  dark  brown.  Legs  and  feet,  brownish  gray.  Total 
length,  about  18  inches;  wing,  8;  culmen,  ij;  tarsus,  if. 

Adult  Female. — Head  and  neck,  reddish  brown,  speckled  with 
dusky.  Upper  parts,  dusky;  feathers,  tipped  with  fulvous. 
Wings,  dusky;  the  coverts,  tipped  with  brownish  gray;  tertials, 
broadly  margined  with  snuff  brown.  Tips  of  greater  coverts  and 
secondaries,  white,  forming  two  narrow  bars  across  the  wing. 
Primaries,  blackish  brown;  speculum,  dull  purplish  brown.  Up- 
per part  of  breast,  rusty  brown,  spotted  with  black;  upper  parts, 
sooty  brown.  Bill,  bluish  gray.  Legs  and  feet,  brownish  gray. 
Total  length,  17$  inches;  wing,  8;  culmen,  i£;  tarsus,  if. 


SPECTACLED    EIDER. 

A  RESIDENT  of  the  remote  northwest  coast  of 
\*  America,  the  Spectacled  or  Fischer's  Eider,  as  it  is 
sometimes  called,  is  local  in  its  habitat,  and  is  met  with 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Kuskokwim  River  to  Point  Bar- 
row, appearing  at  the  latter  place  in  summer.  Its 
breeding  range,  according  to  Nelson,  is  from  Norton 
Bay  to  the  Kuskokwim  River,  but  Turner  says  it  also 
occurs  among  all  the  Aleutian  Islands,  where  it  breeds 
and  is  a  constant  resident,  although  extremely  shy. 
This  is  another  of  our  wild  Ducks  that  have  never  ap- 
peared south  of  Alaska,  and  only  those  who  have  visited 
the  extreme  northern  part  of  that  Territory,  above  the 
Peninsula,  have  had  any  opportunity  to  observe  it  in 
its  native  haunts.  Its  dispersion  is  somewhat  greater 
than  was  at  first  supposed,  but,  even  as  we  now  know  it, 
the  species  appears  to  be  very  local.  It  arrives  in  the 
vicinity  of  St.  Mich:.  1's  between  the  middle  and  last  of 
May,  flying  in  small  flocks  not  exceeding  fifty  indi- 
viduals, and  skimming  just  over  the  surface  of  the  ice 
or  marsh.  Nelson  says  that  the  flocks  break  up  soon 
after  reaching  their  destination  and  mating  takes  place, 
but  the  eggs  are  seldom  laid  before  June.  The  love- 
making  is  of  a  quiet,  undemonstrative  kind,  and  the 
birds  are  silent,  uttering  no  notes.  The  nest  is  a  depr^s- 
sion  amid  the  grass,  in  some  dry  spot  near  the  water, 
and  lined  with  grass.  The  eggs,  from  five  to  nine  of 
which  make  a  set,  are  light  olive  drab  in  color.  Other 
nesting  places  are  tussocks  of  grass,  small  islands  in 


220  WATER   FOWL. 

ponds,  and  knolls  near  the  water,  and  the  nest  is  hidden 
in  the  dry  grass  amid  which  it  is  placed.  The  male  re- 
mains near  the  nesting  place  until  the  young  are  hatched, 
when  he  disappears,  probably  to  moult,  and  the  female 
takes  sole  charge  of  the  young  and  shows  much  courage 
in  their  defense,  putting  herself  in  the  way  of  danger, 
and  shielding  the  little  ones  from  harm  by  every  means 
in  her  power.  By  the  beginning  of  September  the  young 
are  well  grown  and  all  have  deserted  the  marshes,  and 
the  species  is  scarce  along  the  coast  toward  the  last  of 
the  month.  Nelson  thinks  that  on  account  of  its  local 
distribution,  and  restricted  range,  it  may  readily  be  so 
reduced  in  numbers  as  to  become  a  very  rare  bird,  possi- 
bly even  extinct,  like  the  Great  Auk  and  Labrador 
Duck.  Its  breeding  range  does  not  exceed  four 
hundred  miles  of  coast  line  with  a  width  of  not  over  one 
or  two  miles,  and  against  the  usual  opposing  natural 
forces  it  must  contend  with,  it  has,  in  addition,  the 
natives  armed  with  shotguns.  The  diminution  of 
Water  Fowl  in  that  country,  he  says,  is  more  marked 
every  season,  and  this  in  certain  cases  can  only  be  the 
beginning  of  extinction,  and  this  warfare  against  the 
feathered  creatures  will  be  increased  on  account  of  the 
growing  scarcity  of  large  game. 

ARCTONETTA   FISCHERL 

Geographical  Distribution. — Alaskan  coast  from  the  Kusko- 
kwim  River  to  Point  Barrow,  Behring  Sea,  Aleutian  Islands. 

Adult  Male.— Feathers  projecting  onto  the  bill,  stiff,  plush 
lik.e,  yellowish  white,  anteriorly  grading  into  sea  green  on  the 
lores  and  forehead,  this  color  extending  in  a  narrow  line  along  the 
crown,  and  in  a  rather  broad  stripe  beneath  the  eye  patch,  and 
then  broadening  out  on  the  thick  occipital  crest.  The  green  is 
deepest  on  lores,  on  the  stripe  under  the  eye  and  edges  of  crest, 
and  becomes  very  pale  yellowish  green  on  crown  and  center  of 


SPECTACLED  EIDER.  221 

crest.  A  large  satiny  white  pad  encircles  the  eye  and  covers  nearly 
all  the  side  of  the  face  and  crown,  bordered  above  and  on  either 
side  by  a  narrow  line  of  black.  Chin,  throat,  neck,  back,  small 
wing  coverts,  scapulars,  falcate  tertials,  and  a  large  patch  on 
each  side  of  the  rump,  white.  Greater  wing  coverts,  primaries, 
and  tail,  dark  brown.  Under  wing  coverts,  pale  brown.  Lower 
back,  rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  breast,  dark  plumbeous, 
grading  into  smoky  black  on  the  lower  breast,  abdomen,  and  un- 
der tail  coverts.  Bill,  orange,  deepest  along  the  edges,  and  palest 
on  nail.  Iris  is  surrounded  by  a  broad,  bright,  milky  blue  ring. 
Legs  and  feet,  olive  brown  or  yellowish.  Total  length,  about  21^ 
inches;  wing,  n;  culmen,  T8T;  tarsus,  i^. 

Adult  Female. — Fore  part,  top,  and  back  of  head  and  back  of 
neck,  yellowish  buff,  streaked  with  dusky,  coarsest  on  back  of 
head  and  neck.  A  broad  stripe,  about  f  inch  in  width,  in  front 
of  eyes,  beginning  at  corner  of  the  mouth  and  extending 
onto  center  of  head  as  far  as  posterior  line  of  eye,  dark  brown. 
Space  around  eyes  and  cheeks,  grayish  buff,  finely  streaked  with 
dusky.  Upper  parts,  rather  coarsely  barred  with  fulvous  and 
black,  the  bars  narrower  on  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts.  Lesser 
coverts  of  wing,  pale  brown,  barred  with  black.  Remainder  of 
wing,  pale  brown;  the  tips  of  greater  coverts  and  secondaries, 
white,  forming  two  bars  across  the  wing.  Breast  and  sides  and 
under  tail  coverts,  barred  with  fulvous  and  black.  Rest  of  under 
parts,  grayish  brown.  Bill,  dull  blue.  Legs  and  feet,  dull  yel- 
lowish brown.  Total  length,  about  21  inches;  wing,  io£;  cul- 
men, i;  tarsus,  if. 


AMERICAN   EIDER. 

DEPLACING  the  Common  Eider  on  a  large  portion 
of  the  Atlantic  coast,  the  present  species  is  distributed 
from  Labrador  as  far  south  in  winter  as  the  Delaware 
River.  Formerly  it  was  more  abundant  and  passed  a 
greater  portion  of  the  winter  along  the  shores  of  Massa- 
chusetts, but  now  it  seldom  appears  south  of  that  State 
save  in  very  cold  weather  in  midwinter.  Occasionally  it 
penetrates  to  the  westward,  and  has  been  observed  on  the 
Great  Lakes  and  captured  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
pretty  far  in  the  interior  for  a  Sea  Duck.  It  breeds  from 
the  northern  limit  of  Labrador  to  the  Bay  of  Fundy 
and  the  northeastern  coast  of  Maine.  In  Labrador  it 
prefers  small  islands  in  sheltered  bays  as  sites  for  its 
nest,  and  this  is  placed  under  small  firs  and  other  trees 
with  low,  down-reaching  branches^  or  beneath  overhang- 
ing plants  with  thick  foliage.  The  nest,  placed  in  a  de- 
pression in  the  ground  in  situations  like  those  described, 
is  formed  of  sea-weed,  mosses,  grasses,  and  such-like 
suitable  material,  and  filled  with  the  softest  and  warmest 
downy  bed  imaginable,  in  which  the  eggs  lie,  often  hid- 
den from  sight.  These  are  usually  six  in  number,  pale 
greenish  olive  in  color.  The  female  is  a  close  sitter, 
and  if  disturbed  from  the  nest  utters  a  hoarse  croak. 
Sometimes  one  nest  is  occupied  by  two  females,  each  de- 
positing her  eggs,  and  when  the  full  number  is  reached 
both  carry  on  the  duty  of  incubation  together  in  the  most 
complete  harmony,  and  when  the  young  appear  assume 
jointly  the  care  of  the  united  broods.  The  female  de- 
fends her  young  from  the  attacks  of  such  feathered  and 


AMERICAN  EIDER.  223 

furred  foes  as  she  is  able  to  withstand,  and,  as  soon  as 
they  are  hatched,  leads  them  to  the  water,  where  they 
can  at  least  escape  from  their  enemies  of  the  air  by  div- 
ing. The  males  leave  the  females  when  incubation  be- 
gins, and,  like  those  of  the  other  species,  betake  them- 
selves to  the  sea.  The  food  of  this  Duck  consists  of 
mollusks,  which  it  swallows  entire. 

The  American  Eider  likes  to  haunt  rocky  shores,  and 
may  often  be  seen  standing  on  the  bowlders,  slippery  with 
the  spray  and  marine  mosses,  at  the  edge  of  the  water. 
I  have  frequently  watched  them  flying  low  over  the  sea 
in  regular  undulating  lines,  the  quick  flaps  of  the  wings, 
succeeded  by  a  rigid  poise,  when  on  fixed  pinions  the 
birds  would  sail  along  for  a  short  distance,  followed  by 
more  flappings,  and  thus,  with  alternate  beats  and  sail- 
ings, they  would  move  swiftly  along  close  to  the  shore. 
Occasionally  they  would  be  congregated  on  the  water  in 
flocks  of  considerable  size,  and  avoided  the  approaching 
boat  by  diving,  staying  under  the  surface  for  a  rather 
lengthy  time,  and  then  rising  at  some  distance  away,  to 
dive  again,  or  to  move  off  in  long  lines. 

The  male  is  a  handsome  bird,  and  shows  well  when 
swimming  on  the  surface  of  the  sea,  as  he  rises  and 
sinks  upon  the  swells  rolling  in  toward  the  rocks.  As 
an  article  of  food  the  American  Eider  is  about  on  a  par 
with  his  European  relative,  and  there  is  little  satisfaction 
in  shooting  the  bird,  large  and  handsome  as  he  is,  unless 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  obtaining  some  down  or  a 
specimen. 

SO  MATER  I  A   DRESSER  I. 

Geographical  Distribution. — North  America,  from  Labrador 
to  Delaware  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  Occasionally  westward  to 
the  Great  Lakes. 


224  WATER  FOWL. 

Adult  Male. — In  color  of  plumage  and  its  general  distribu- 
tion there  is  no  appreciable,  certainly  no  specific  difference, 
between  the  male  of  this  species  and  the  Common  Eider  of 
Greenland  and  the  northern  regions  of  the  Old  World,  and  the 
description  given  of  the  succeeding  species  may  answer  very 
well  for  the  American  Eider.  But  the  two  forms,  apart  from 
their  plumage,  can  be  readily  distinguished  by  the  shape  of  the 
frontal  angles,  or  the  naked  portion  running  from  the  base  of  the 
bill  onto  each  side  of  the  forehead.  In  S.  mollissima,  the  next 
species,  these  angles  are  narrow  and  more  or  less  pointed  and 
smooth,  while  in  the  American  Eider  they  are  broad  and  rounded 
at  the  end,  and  much  corrugated.  In  general  measurements 
there  is  very  little  difference  between  the  two  species.  The  bill 
of  the  present  one,  from  tip  to  end  of  frontal  angle,  averages 
about  2^y  inches;  greatest  width  of  angle,  .45;  culmen,  i^. 

In  some  male  specimens  a  dusky  V-shaped  mark  is  observable 
on  the  throat,  but  this  is  rare. 

Adult  Female. — With  the  exception  of  the  shape  of  the  frontal 
angle,  the  female  of  this  species  is  not  to  be  distinguished  from 
that  of  the  Common  Eider. 

Downy  Young. — Like  that  of  the  Common  Eider. 


EIDER. 

IT  was  for  a  long  time  even  unsuspected  that  there  was 
more  than  one  species  of  the  Common  Eider  Duck, 
so  well  known  throughout  all  the  world  for  the  valuable 
quality  of  its  down.  But  when  the  birds  from  the  Atlan- 
tic coasts  of  North  America  were  critically  compared 
with  those  from  Europe,  sufficient  differences  were  dis- 
covered to  necessitate  the  recognition  of  two  distinct 
species.  The  plumage  of  the  two  forms  does  not  differ, 
but  the  characters  that  separate  them  are  found  in  that 
part  of  the  maxilla,  or  upper  half  of  the  bill,  which  ex- 
tends toward  the  head.  In  the  present  species,  which 
is  the  same  as  the  European  bird,  this  portion  of 
the  bill  is  narrow  and  terminates  in  a  point,  while  in  the 
American  species,  this  part  is  broad  and  has  a  convex 
end.  The  Common  Eider  ranges  throughout  northern 
Europe,  and  is  found  in  Greenland  and  on  the  Ameri- 
can coast  from  Labrador  south  in  winter  along  the 
shores  of  Maine,  and  in  the  Arctic  Ocean  as  far  west  as 
the  Coppermine  River  in  the  longitude  of  Great  Slave 
Lake.  The  down  of  this  bird,  which  is  plucked  from  the 
breast  of  the  female  for  a  lining  to  her  nest,  Is  a  most 
valuable  article  of  commerce,  and  in  order  to  procure  it 
in  sufficient  quantity,  the  birds  may  almost  be  said  to 
have  become  domesticated  in  Iceland,  Norway,  and  other 
parts  of  Europe,  where  they  are  in  the  habit  of  breeding 
in  large  numbers.  Accommodations  are  provided  for 
them,  the  turf  is  scraped  away  in  squares  of  about  eight- 
een inches  each,  or  similar  spaces  are  arranged  with 


226  WATER  FOWL, 

stones,  all  of  which  are  occupied  in  the  season  by  sitting 
birds,  and  so  closely  are  the  nests  placed  to  each  other 
that  one  can  hardly  move  among  them  without  stepping 
upon  a  Duck  or  an  egg.  In  such  colonies  as  these  the 
Eider  become  very  tame,  and  frequently  will  not  leave 
the  nest  when  a  person  approaches,  and  some  allow  the 
inhabitants  of  the  island,  whom  they  are  accustomed  to 
see  daily,  to  stroke  their  feathers  or  remove  the  eggs 
from  beneath  them  without  more  remonstrance  than  is 
usually  made  by  a  hen  under  similar  circumstances.  By 
the  time  the  full  complement  of  eggs  is  laid,  the  down 
has  been  gradually  increased  in  the  nest,  until  at  length 
the  quantity  becomes  so  large  that  the  eggs  are  entirely 
concealed  and  covered  by  it.  The  nests  are  made  of 
sea-weed,  and  the  eggs,  five  or  six  of  which  are  a  full 
complement,  are  a  pale  green  color. 

When  incubation  has  commenced  the  males  retire  to 
the  sea  and  remain  in  flocks  near  the  shore,  leading  an 
idle,  careless  kind  of  a  bachelor  life,  free  from  all  family 
duties,  and  when  moulting  time  arrives  they  go  farther 
out  to  sea,  and  do  not  return  to  the  females  and  young 
until  the  autumn.  Incubation  lasts  about  a  month,  and 
the  young  are  conducted  to  the  water  by  the  female, 
sometimes  carried  there  in  her  bill,  and  she  remains  with 
her  little  family  until  they  are  full  grown  and  are  joined 
by  the  males,  later  in  the  year.  This  Duck  does  not 
seem  to  mind  cold,  and  has  been  known  to  endure  a 
temperature  of  50°  below  zero  without  any  incon- 
venience. Of  course  it  could  remain  in  such  extreme 
frost  only  in  places  where  the  water  was  kept  open,  and 
comparatively  free  from  ice,  by  the  rapidity  of  the  cur- 
rent or  tide  rifts. 

The  Eider  is  a  great  diver  and  remains  a  long  time 
under  water.  It  feeds  chiefly  on  mollusks  which  it  pro- 


EIDER.  227 

cures  on  the  bottom,  often  at  great  depths.  The  flight  is 
low  and  performed  in  Indian  file,  each  bird  following  at 
a  regular  distance  from  the  one  in  front,  and  by  regular 
flaps  and  sailings  of  the  wings.  The  males  make  a  sort 
of  cooing  sound,  especially  when  sitting  near  the  shore 
during  the  breeding  season,  and  the  females  often  leave 
the  nests  for  a  short  time  and  join  them.  Although 
breeding,  and  not  uncommon,  in  various  parts  of 
the  eastern  Arctic  regions  in  North  America,  it  can- 
not be  said  to  appear  often,  at  least  in  any  considerable 
numbers,  on  our  Atlantic  coast  much  south  of  the  Gulf 
of  St.  Lawrence,  but  is  supplanted  there  by  its  near  ally 
the  American  Eider.  Both  are  large  Ducks  of  about 
equal  size,  and  on  the  wing  it  would  be  impossible  to  dis- 
tinguish one  from  the  other.  As  an  article  of  food,  the 
Eider  cannot  be  said  to  take  very  high  rank,  but  from 
the  nature  of  its  diet  has  a  fishy,  unattractive  quality  of 
flesh.  The  eggs  are  said,  however,  to  be  palatable. 

SO  MATER  I  A  MOLLISSIMA. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northeastern  coast  of  North 
America,  south  to  Massachusetts;  Greenland,  northern  part  of 
Eastern  Hemisphere. 

Adult  Male. — Top  of  head,  velvety  black,  with  a  white  stripe 
in  the  center  of  the  occipital  region.  Nape  and  posterior  part  of 
the  auricular  region,  sea  green;  cheeks,  neck,  chin,  throat,  back, 
lesser  and  middle  wing  coverts,  falcate  tertials,  and  a  large  patch 
on  either  side  of  rump,  pure  white.  Greater  wing  coverts  and 
secondaries,  brownish  black.  Primaries,  pale  brown.  Lower 
part  of  back,  rump,  upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  and  entire 
under  parts  below  the  breast,  deep  black.  Breast,  pinkish  cream 
color.  Sometimes  the  back  and  scapulars  are  tinged  with  yel- 
lowish. Tail,  pale  brown,  like  the  primaries.  Bill,  olive  green; 
sometimes  with  an  olive  yellow  shade;  nail,  greenish  yellow. 
Legs  and  feet,  olive  green.  Total  length,  about  22  inches;  wing, 
12;  bill,  culmen,  i^;  from  tip  to  end  of  frontal  angle,  2}; 
greatest  width  of  angle,  30;  tarsus,  i-^. 


228  WATER  FOWL. 

Adult  Female. — Head  and  neck,  pale  rufous  brown,  streaked 
with  narrow  black  lines;  upper  parts  of  head,  darkest.  Rest  of 
plumage,  brownish  buff,  or  chestnut  brown,  on  the  upper  parts 
and  breast,  barred  with  black;  the  under  parts  below  the  breast, 
grayish  brown,  with  dusky  nebulous  bars.  Wing  like  the  back, 
the  white  tips  of  the  secondaries  forming  two  bars  across  the 
wing.  Primaries  and  tail,  blackish  brown.  Bill,  legs,  and  feet, 
like  those  of  the  male,  perhaps  slightly  darker.  Size,  about  the 
same. 

Young. — Resembles  the  female,  but  the  margins  of  the  feathers 
are  rusty  brown,  and  the  white  wing  bars  are  indistinct.  Males 
have  the  sides  of  the  head  blackish. 

Downy  Young. — Crown  of  head,  lores,  and  sides  of  face,  dark 
brown;  upper  parts  brown  tinged  with  fulvous  on  upper  part  of 
back.  Line  over  the  eye  and  on  each  side  of  chin,  white;  the 
latter  making  a  V-shaped  mark.  Under  parts,  pale  brown,  with 
center  of  breast  and  abdomen,  white. 


PACIFIC    EIDER. 

PROM  the  Peninsula  of  Alaska,  as  far  west  as  Attu 
of  the  Aleutian  Islands,  throughout  the  islands  of 
Behring  Sea,  along  the  coast  of  Alaska  to  the  Arctic 
Ocean,  and  eastward  to  the  Coppermine  River,  is  ap- 
parently the  distribution  of  this  species  in  the  far  north- 
ern region  in  which  it  finds  its  home.  The  principal 
breeding  resorts  are  the  islands  of  Behring  Sea,  although 
the  birds  nest  also  in  great  numbers  in  various  other 
places.  The  habits  are  very  similar  to  those  of  the  Com- 
mon and  American  Eiders,  with  the  exception  that  this 
Duck  does  not  breed  in  colonies. 

Pretty  much  all  that  is  known  of  the  habits  and 
economy  of  this  fine  bird  is  related  by  Dall,  Nelson,  and 
Turner,  whose  long  residence  in  the  bleak  northwest 
afforded  them  ample  opportunities  for  observing  this 
Duck  in  its  haunts.  According  to  their  reports  the 
Pacific  Eiders  begin  to  approach  the  shores  off  the 
mouth  of  the  Yukon  River,  if  the  ice  permits,  from  the 
loth  to  the  2Oth  of  May  and  proceed  to  choose  the  sites 
for  their  nests,  the  ponds  and  creeks  in  the  marshes  being 
at  that  time  open.  There  does  not  seem  to  be  any 
especial  manifestation  of  affection  during  the  courtship, 
all  the  preliminaries  having  probably  been  gone  through 
with  at  sea,  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  mated 
birds  near  the  shore.  They  come  in  small  flocks, 
which  break  up  into  pairs,  each  couple  resorting 
to  the  salt  marshes.  A  moss-grown  slope,  a  grassy 
tussock,  or  a  depression  made  in  the  ground  in 


23°  WATER  FOWL. 

some  dry  place  near  to  a  pond  or  creek,  or  even 
close  to  the  sea-shore,  is  chosen  as  a  site  for  the 
nest.  The  cavity  is  lined  with  grass  or  pieces  of  moss, 
and  down  from  the  parent's  breast  is  provided  in  quan- 
tities, as  the  eggs  are  laid,  sufficient  to  cover  them,  so 
that  when  the  full  complement  is  deposited  the  amount 
is  very  considerable.  A  peculiarity  of  this  species  seems 
to  be  that  the  eggs  are  not  placed  upon  the  down,  but 
are  merely  covered  by  it.  The  male  faithfully  attends 
the  female  in  the  Arctic  night  until  all  the  eggs 
are  deposited,  yet  during  the  day  he  seems  to 
lose  all  interest  in  matrimonial  affairs,  and  joins 
other  males  which  pass  their  time  sunning  them- 
selves on  the  reefs  near  the  shore.  But  in  the  twi- 
light they  fly  silently  back  to  their  partners,  to  see  if 
all  is  going  on  well.  When  upon  the  rocks  the  males 
keep  uttering  a  long,  guttural  note  which,  when  many 
are  congregated  together,  sounds  like  a  continuous 
grunting.  The  males  outnumber  the  females,  and  sev- 
eral may  be  seen  at  times  in  attendance  on  one  female. 
This  is  in  Alaska,  but  near  the  mouth  of  the  Anderson 
River,  where  MacFarlane  found  this  species  very  abun- 
dant, the  reverse  was  the  case,  and  he  was  inclined  to 
think  they  were  polygamous,  for  he  sometimes  would 
find  two  females  on  the  same  nest.  This,  as  has  been 
already  remarked,  is  occasionally  witnessed  among  the 
breeding  colonies  of  the  eastern  Eider. 

When  incubation  has  fairly  begun  the  males  retire  to 
the  sea  and  outlying  rocks,  and  concern  themselves  no 
farther  with  their  wives.  The  eggs  are  generally  six  or 
seven  in  number  and  are  of  a  light  olive  drab  color. 
Toward  the  end  of  June  or  beginning  of  July  the  young 
appear,  and  are  at  once  led  to  the  nearest  water,  gener- 
ally a  pond  or  creek,  and  later  to  the  sheltered  bays  and 


PACIFIC  EIDER.  231 

mouths  of  rivers  on  the  coast.  The  females  now  begin 
to  moult,  and  like  the  young  possess  only  one  means  of 
escape  from  their  enemies — great  skill  in  diving.  The 
Eskimo  amuse  themselves  at  this  time  trying  to  strike 
the  birds  with  spears,  but  are  rarely  able  to  hit  one,  so 
quickly  do  they  vanish  beneath  the  surface.  The  young 
are  not  able  to  fly  much  before  the  middle  of  September, 
and  toward  the  end  of  this  month  all  desert  the  main 
shores  and  are  only  found  off  the  outer  reefs  and  small 
islands.  In  the  autumn  it  is  said  the  male  assumes  a 
plumage  very  similar  to  that  of  the  female,  and  the  young 
males  only  attain  the  fully  adult  breeding  dress  at  the 
commencement  of  the  third  year.  As  a  rule  the  Pacific 
Eider  is  very  shy  and  difficult  of  approach,  except  when 
on  land  during  boisterous  weather.  At  such  times  the 
birds  gather  on  the  rocks  on  the  shore  in  large  num- 
bers, and  the  natives  are  accustomed  to  catch  many  by 
throwing  hand  nets  over  them.  A  bright  night,  when 
the  wind  is  blowing  hard,  is  the  best  for  this  purpose, 
and  the  flocks  seem  so  stupid,  as  their  members  are  all 
huddled  together,  that  one  is  permitted  to  approach  close 
to  them.  This  species  is  also  averse  to  flying  in  bois- 
terous weather,  and,  as  the  body  is  heavy  the  birds  ap- 
pear to  have  difficulty  in  taking  wing  from  the  sea,  and 
will  flap  along  over  the  surface,  and  then  all  dive  simul- 
taneously. They  descend  to  a  great  depth,  and  remain 
under  water  for  a  long  time,  swimming  great  distances 
before  rising. 

The  principal  food  of  this  Duck  is  mussels  and  other 
bivalves,  and  it  seeks  these  sometimes  in  water  thirty  or 
forty  feet  deep.  During  the  breeding  season,  the  note 
usually  uttered  when  the  sexes  are  together  is  a 
kind  of  Coo.  The  Pacific  Eider  is  a  handsome  Duck, 
resembling  somewhat  the  eastern  species  and  weighs 


232  WATER  FOWL. 

from  four  to  six  pounds.  It  seems  to  dislike  stormy 
days  and  rough  water,  although  it  must  get  plenty  of 
both  during  the  year  in  the  latitude  it  lives  in,  and  at 
such  times  assembles  in  numbers  along  the  beach,  or  on 
the  rocks  near  the  shore,  or  else  swims  about  in  the 
sheltered  bays  and  inlets,  where  the  force  of  the  wind  is 
not  felt.  The  Eskimo  name  for  the  bird  is  Mi't  huk. 
South  of  the  mouth  of  the  Yukon  River  the  Pacific  Eider 
plays  a  very  important  part,  says  Nelson,  in  some  of  the 
religious  festivals  of  the  natives,  which  occur  in  Decem- 
ber. It  is  a  kind  of  an  Eskimo  "  harvest-home." 

SO  MATER  I  A    V-NIGRUM. 

Geographical  Distribution.— Peninsula  of  Alaska,  Aleutian 
Islands,  and  islands  of  Behring  Sea,  and  along  the  Alaskan 
coast  to  the  Arctic  Ocean,  and  east  to  the  Coppermine  River. 
Breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  Male.—  Plumage  almost  precisely  like  that  of  the  two 
previous  species,  except  that  on  the  throat  there  is  a  very  long 
V-shaped  black  mark,  beginning  on  the  chin  and  extending  to  a 
line  intersecting  the  occipvit.  Very  much  longer  and  somewhat 
narrower  than  a  similar  mark  on  the  King  Eider.  The  black  on 
the  head  is  bordered  beneath  by  pale  sea  green  for  nearly  its 
entire  margin,  like  that  of  the  American  Eider.  The  bill  is  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  the  other  Eiders,  being  broader  and  deeper 
through  the  base,  while  the  frontal  angles  are  much  shorter  and 
very  acute.  The  extension  of  the  feathers  forward  underneath 
the  mandible  (between  the  jaws)  surpasses  that  on  the  sides,  which 
is  rather  the  reverse  in  the  other  species;  but  this  can  hardly  be 
considered  of  specific  value.  The  color  of  the  bill  is  orange  red 
on  frontal  angles  and  base  of  culmen,  grading  to  orange  toward 
the  tip,  which  is  yellowish  white.  Iris,  dark  brown..  Legs  and 
feet,  brownish  orange.  Bill,  from  tip  to  end  of  frontal  angle, 
i-$y  inches;  greatest  width  of  angle,  £;  culmen,  2^.  Total  length, 
about  22  inches;'  wing,  n|;  culmen,  2^. 

Adult  Female. — Head,  chin,  throat,  and  neck,  pale  brown, 
streaked  with  dusky;  darkest  on  top  of  the  head.  Upper  parts, 
rufous,  barred  with  black,  the  bars  broadest  on  back  and  scapu- 


PACIFIC  EIDER.  233 

lars;  some  of  the  latter  and  tertials  tipped  with  yellowish  white. 
Lesser  wing  coverts,  dusky,  tipped  with  white.  Greater  coverts, 
pale  buff.  Secondaries  and  primaries,  blackish  brown;  the  for- 
mer having  the  edge  of  outer  webs  pale  buff.  Tail,  blackish 
brown.  Breast  and  sides,  pale  buff,  barred  with  brownish  black. 
Under  parts,  uniform  grayish  brown.  Under  tail  coverts,  barred 
with  black  and  rufous.  Wing,  u-J;  culmen,  if;  tarsus,  if. 

Downy  Young. — According  to  Stejneger,  who  obtained  it  on 
the  Commander  Islands,  the  downy  young  is  precisely  similar  to 
that  of  the  Common  Eider,  S.  mollissima. 


KING    EIDER. 

Eider  is  a  native  of  both  the  Old  and  New 
Worlds,  and  in  North  America  is  found  across  the 
continent  in  the  Arctic  regions,  and  comes  south  in  win- 
ter on  the  Atlantic  coast  occasionally  as  far  as  New  Jer- 
sey. It  is  not  so  abundant  as  any  one  of  the  other  species 
of  Eiders  although  large  flocks  are  occasionally  met  with 
in  the  far  northern  regions.  It  is  a  boreal  species  and 
does  not  go  very  far  south  of  its  breeding  places  unless 
driven  by  stress  of  weather,  when  a  few  appear  within  the 
limits  of  the  United  States.  It  occurs  at  times  on  the 
Great  Lakes  in  winter,  and  has  been  recorded  from  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  but  does  not  frequent  any  part  of 
the  Pacific  coast  south  of  Alaska.  In  that  Territory  it 
is  rare  at  St.  Michael's,  but  is  very  common  in  Behring 
Straits,  on  the  Siberian  side,  and  near  Waukareen  and 
Tapkan  and  also  on  St.  Lawrence  Island.  In  the 
summer  from  Icy  Cape  on  the  Arctic  Sea,  and  thence 
eastward,  it  occurs  in  large  numbers,  the  birds  being, 
however,  chiefly  males,  as  at  that  time  the  females  are 
busy  with  their  broods  on  the  ponds  and  streams,  away 
from  the  coast.  It  is  the  handsomest  of  the  Eider 
Ducks,  the  delicate  pearly  gray  crown  of  the  head  show- 
ing to  great  advantage  with  the  other  colors  of  sea  green, 
black,  and  white  of  the  head  and  neck,  and  deep  buff  of 
the  breast,  all  contrasted  with  the  bright  orange  of 
the  bill.  The  nest  is  merely  a  depression  in  the  ground 
near  water,  sometimes  on  the  beach,  and  lined  with 
down,  on  which  are  deposited  usually  six  eggs,  of  a 


KING  EIDER.  235 

light  olive  gray  shade,  sometimes  grayish  green.  In  its 
habits  the  bird  does  not  differ  materially  from  its  rela- 
tives. The  males  desert  the  females  when  incubation 
commences,  and  assemble  in  great  flocks  by  themselves 
upon  the  outlying  reefs,  or  on  the  sea  not  far  from  shore, 
and  are  joined  by  the  females  and  young  in  the  autumn. 
It  seems,  however,  to  be  even  more  of  a  Sea  Duck 
than  the  other  Eiders,  and  is  met  with  a  long  distance 
from  land,  on  the  open  ocean.  The  males  assume 
a  dress  similar  to  that  of  the  females,  after  the  breeding 
season,  save  that  one  or  two  pairs  of  white  patches  re- 
main, by  which  the  sex  can  be  determined.  The  skin 
of  this  bird  is  used  by  the  Eskimo  for  making  clothing, 
and  that  of  the  female,  split  down  the  back  and  the  head 
and  wings  removed,  is  placed  inside  the  seal-skin  boot 
and  is  very  comfortable  in  winter.  The  King  Eider 
feeds  on  fish  and  various  kinds  of  mollusks,  and  as  may 
be  expected  from  such  a  diet,  its  flesh  is  not  particularly 
palatable.  In  size  it  is  somewhat  less  than  all  the  other 
Eiders,  except  possibly  the  Spectacled  or  Fischer's  Eider. 
As  a  diver,  and  possessing  an  ability  to  remain  under 
water  for  a  lengthened  period,  the  present  species  is  in 
no  way  inferior  to  its  relatives,  and  a  large  portion  of  its 
time  when  at  sea  is  engaged  in  exploring  the  depths,  and 
seeking  the  marine  creatures  upon  which  it  subsists. 

SOMATERIA  SPECTABILIS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  parts  of  Northern  Hemi- 
sphere. South  on  the  Atlantic  coast  in  winter  to  Georgia,  and 
to  the  Great  Lakes  in  the  interior.  Not  found  on  Pacific  coast 
south  of  Alaska.  Breeding  in  the  Arctic-  regions. 

Adult  Male. — A  line  along  the  base  of  the  bill,  and  over  and 
onto  the  anterior  edge  of  the  frontal  process,  a  spot  beneath  the 
eye.  an  indistinct  line  at  bottom  of  pearl  gray  on  nape,  and  a 
broad  V-shaped  mark  from  chin  along  sides  of  the  throat,  jet 


236  WATER  FOWL. 

black.  Top  of  head  and  occiput,  pearly  gray.  Yellowish  white 
stripe  over  and  behind  the  eye.  Cheeks,  pale  sea  green;  this 
color  extending  on  sides  of  head  along  the  pearly  gray  until  it 
fades  away  in  white.  Rest  of  head,  chin,  throat,  neck,  upper  part 
of  back,  wing  coverts  (except  the  greater  and  outer  webs  of  lesser 
coverts)  and  a  large  patch  on  each  side  of  rump,  white.  Breast, 
dark  cream  buff,  varying,  however,  among  individuals  in  inten- 
sity. Greater  wing  coverts,  scapulars,  and  primaries,  brownish 
black;  the  scapulars  and  tertials  sickle  shape  bending  over  the 
wing,  and  rufous  along  the  shaft.  Lower  back,  rump,  upper  tail 
coverts,  and  rest  of  under  parts,  black.  Tail,  brownish  black. 
Bill  varies  considerably  in  shape  at  different  periods  of  the  year. 
In  the  breeding  season,  a  high,  square,  soft  process  is  elevated  on 
the  culmen  between  the  base  and  the  nostrils,  and  supported  by 
some  fatty  substance.  Matrimonial  duties  finished  this  shrinks, 
and  the  bill  on  its  upper  outline  returns  to  nearly  the  normal 
Eider  shape.  On  account  of  this  protuberance  the  feathering 
on  the  maxilla  is  quite  different  from  that  of  the  other  species 
of  the  genus,  and  on  the  elevated  culmen  nearly  reaches  the 
nostril,  while  on  the  side  it  extends  but  a  short  distance  beyond 
the  corner  of  the  mouth.  Bill  and  elevated  process,  reddish 
orange.  Iris,  yellow.  Legs  and  feet,  orange  red.  Total  length, 
about  23  inches;  wing,  n  ;  culmen  in  front  of  process,  i^; 
tarsus,  if. 

Adult  Female. — Head,  chin,  and  throat,  dark  buff,  streaked 
with  dark  brown,  conspicuously  on  top  of  head  and  but  faintly  on 
the  sides.  Chest  and  sides,  light  buff,  with  irregular  black  bar  on 
tip  of  feathers.  Feathers  of  back  and  scapulars,  blackish  brown, 
with  yellowish  tips.  Shoulder  of  wings,  blackish  brown;  tips  of 
feathers,  rufous.  Greater  coverts  and  secondaries,  black,  with 
white  tips,  forming  two  narrow  bars  across  the  wing.  Outer 
webs  of  tertials,  rufous.  Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dark  buff, 
barred  irregularly  with  black.  Tail,  black.  Under  parts,  black- 
ish brown;  under  tail  coverts,  rufous,  with  V-shaped  black  bars. 
Bill,  greenish  brown.  Legs  and  feet,  dull  ochre.  Total  length, 
about  23  inches;  wing,  lof ;  culmen,  i£;  tarsus,  if. 

Downy  Young.— Resembles  that  of  the  Common  Eider,  but  the 
upper  parts  are  more  rufous,  and  the  cheeks,  throat,  and  under 
parts  more  yellow. 


RUDDY   DUCK. 

f~*  ENERALLY  dispersed  over  all  North  America,  the 
^"^  Ruddy  Duck  is  found  as  far  south  as  Cuba  and 
Guatemala.  It  breeds  throughout  most  of  its  range 
from  Hudson  Bay  and  Great  Slave  Lake  in  the  north, 
and  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  from  Minnesota  to  Texas. 
Although  it  is  common  on  many  parts  of  the  Pacific 
coast,  it  does  not  seem  to  go  as  far  north  on  the  west 
side  as  Alaska,  and  has  never  even  straggled  into  the 
Eastern  Hemisphere.  It  places  its  nest  near  some  pond 
or  other  inland  water,  and  constructs  it  of  grass  or  dead 
leaves.  The  eggs  are  creamy  white,  and  quite  numer- 
ous, as  many  as  twenty  having  been  seen  in  a  single  nest, 
but  this,  it  would  seem,  must  have  been  the  work  of  two 
females,  as  it  is  very  doubtful  if  one  alone  could  cover 
so  many. 

The  Ruddy  Duck  is  one  of  the  sprightliest  birds 
among  our  Water  fowl,  and  at  times  presents  a  very 
comical  appearance  upon  the  water.  It  swims  easily  and 
rapidly,  its  enormous  feet  propelling  the  bird  with  con- 
siderable power.  When  on  the  water  the  body  is  deeply 
immersed,  and  if  suspicious  or  alarmed,  I  have  often 
seen  it  quietly  sink  beneath  the  surface  without  diving, 
and  disappear.  The  Dabchick,  or  Hell  Diver,  has  a  simi- 
lar way  of  vanishing.  This  species  seems  to  have  no  pref- 
erence for  the  quality  of  water  it  frequents,  whether  it  is 
salt,  fresh,  or  brackish.  It  usually  goes  in  considerable 
flocks,  and  flies  with  great  swiftness,  turning  first  the 
upper  side  of  the  body,  then  the  under,  to  the  spectator  as 


238  WATER  FOWL. 

it  rushes  along.  It  is  very  erratic  in  its  ways,  and  ex- 
ceedingly quick  in  its  movements,  whether  on  the  water 
or  in  the  air.  It  walks  fairly  well,  and  takes  wing 
from  the  land  at  once,  but  has  considerable  difficulty  in 
rising  from  the  water,  and  is  obliged  to  run  along  the 
surface,  beating  it  with  both  feet  and  wings,  before  it  can 
get  away.  It  is  a  most  expert  diver  and  is  able  to  stay 
long,  and  go  far  under  water.  When  swimming  it  has  the 
habit  of  elevating  its  short,  stiff,  spiny-looking  little  tail 
straight  up  in  the  air,  sometimes  inclining  it  forward 
toward  the  head,  and  as  the  latter  is  very  large  as  is  also 
the  bill,  and  is  held  well  back,  there  seems  hardly  enough 
body  between  them  to  sustain  all  this  superstructure, 
especially  as  the  bird  swims  so  deeply  that  a  large  por- 
tion is  hidden  beneath  the  surface.  In  this  position  the 
male,  for  he  is  the  one  that  exhibits  himself  usually  in 
this  way,  moves  up  and  down  among  the  others  as  if 
challenging  their  admiration.  It  is  a  very  gentle 
species,  and  plunges  into  the  decoys  with  a  slide  and  a 
splash  like  the  Buffle  Head  or  Hooded  Merganser,  or 
other  of  the  small  rapid-flying  Duck. 

When  in  flight  this  species  makes  a  whirring 
sound  caused  by  the  rapid  movements  of  its  concave 
wings,  as  it  buzzes  along,  the  members  of  a  flock 
twisting  and  twirling  about,  but  going  usually  in 
a  straight  line,  and  they  seem  more  like  a  swarm 
of  bees  than  a  bunch  of  Ducks.  Their  flight  is  so 
swift,  and  the  body  is  comparatively  so  small,  that 
they  are  by  no  means  an  easy  bird  to  shoot,  and 
much  allowance  must  be  made  for  the  rapidity  with 
which  they  hurl  themselves  through  the  air.  Formerly 
but  little  attention  was  paid  to  this  Duck  by  sportsmen; 
it  was  so  small  that  it  was  allowed  to  go  by  unheeded; 
but  of  late  years,  on  account  of  the  growing  scarcity  of 


RUDDY  DUCK  239 

larger  Ducks,  it  is  more  sought  after,  and  many  are 
killed.  It  is  accustomed  to  frequent  bays  and  coves,  and 
a  number  of  gunners  will  assemble  in  boats  and  line  the 
entrance  to  one  of  these,  and  gradually  advancing,  close 
in  upon  the  birds,  which  are  shot  either  on  the  water 
while  swimming  or  as  they  attempt  to  fly  past.  There 
is  nothing  sportsman-like  in  this  proceeding,  but  as  the 
birds  bring  now  quite  a  sum  per  pair  in  the  market,  it  is 
killing  merely  for  gain.  At  times,  when  one  of  these 
battues  was  going  on  in  Currituck  Sound,  it  seemed  as  if 
the  country  was  being  bombarded  by  a  hostile  fleet,  so 
frequent  and  heavy  were  the  explosions.  Of  course  if 
this  practice  is  continued,  it  will  have  one  of  two  natural 
consequences:  either  the  extermination  of  the  species  in 
that  locality,  or  its  removal  to  more  secure  situations. 

The  male  Ruddy  Duck  in  full  summer  dress  is  a  very 
handsome  bird,  and  resembles  very  little  the  same  indi- 
vidual in  the  costume  he  usually  wears  in  winter.  The 
black  head  and  nape,  with  the  large  white  patch  upon  the 
face,  are  well  contrasted  with  the  rich  dark  red  of  the 
upper  parts  of  the  body  and  the  silver  grayish  white  of 
the  lower  plumage.  When  so  arrayed  he  is  an  object  of 
singular  beauty,  but  unfortunately  he  only  exhibits  him- 
self in  these  nuptial  garments  for  a  brief  period  in  the 
year. 

This  species  has  a  very  great  number  of  names,  one 
apparently  for  almost  every  locality  it  visits.  Some  of 
these  are,  Broad  Bill  Dipper,  Coot,  Broad  Bill  Coot, 
Bumble  Bee  Coot,  Heavy-tailed  Duck,  Salt-water  Teal, 
Booby,  Booby  Coot,  Stiff  Tail,  Spine  Tail,  Ruddy  Diver, 
Ruddy,  Stick  Tail,  Bristle  Tail,  Bull  Neck,  Steel  Head, 
Rook,  Greaser,  etc.  Of  late  this  Duck  has  become  quite 
fashionable  among  the  gourmets  of  the  cities,  and  is  con- 
sidered apparently  as  desirable  as  some  of  the  larger 


240  WATER  FOWL. 

Ducks  of  extended  reputation.  This  idea  has  been 
taken  advantage  of  by  the  market  men,  and  a  pair  of 
this  small  inferior  Duck  bring  as  high  a  price  as  Red 
Heads  did  a  few  years  ago.  While  affording  a  fair  dish, 
if  properly  broiled,  there  is  nothing  in  the  flesh  of  this 
bird  to  merit  any  particular  commendation.  Its  food 
usually  consists  of  various  grasses,  roots,  and  leaves  of 
plants,  and  possibly  at  times  it  may  vary  its  diet  with  mol- 
lusca  of  different  kinds.  Being  a  diving  Duck,  it  obtains 
the  articles  for  its  bill  of  fare  from  off  the  bottom. 

ERISMATURA  JAMAICENSIS. 

Geographical  Distribution.— North  America  generally,  ex- 
cept Alaska.  South  to  the  West  Indies  and  Colombia.  Breeds 
throughout  the  greater  part  of  its  range,  from  Hudson  Bay  to 
Guatemala. 

Adult  Male  in  Full  Plumage. — Upper  part  of  head,  including 
the  eye  and  nape,  glossy  jet  black.  Sides  of  head  and  chin, 
white.  Throat  and  all  the  neck,  back,  upper  tail  coverts,  scapu- 
lars, and  flanks,  bright  reddish  chestnut.  Wing  coverts,  lower 
back  and  rump,  grayish  brown.  Primaries,  dull  brown,  speckled 
near  edge  of  outer  web  with  gray.  Tail,  brownish  black. 
Under  parts  below  the  upper  part  of  breast,  silvery  white,  which 
is  the  hue  of  the  tips  of  the  feathers  only,  the  hidden  portion 
being  brownish  gray.  Sometimes  these  tips  wear  away,  and 
then  the  under  surface  appears  mottled.  The  breast  is  tinged 
with  rust  color;  this  in  some  specimens  appearing  also  on  the 
abdomen.  Under  tail  coverts,  white.  Bill  and  eyelids,  grayish 
blue.  Iris,  hazel.  Legs  and  feet,  grayish  blue;  webs,  dusky. 
Total  length,  about  16  inches;  wing,  6;  culmen,  i-^;  tarsus,  IT%. 

Adult  Female. — Upper  half  of  head,  including  the  eyes,  dark 
brown;  in  some  individuals  there  are  blackish  feathers,  tipped 
with  reddish  chestnut.  Cheeks,  brown,  but  lighter  than  top  of 
head.  A  white  stripe  from  below  the  eye,  sometimes  distin- 
guishable almost  to  base  of  bill,  goes  to  the  nape.  Chin,  white. 
Throat  and  neck,  brownish  gray;  tips  of  feathers  on  lower  neck 
in  front,  white.  Upper  parts,  dusky  brown,  mottled  and  speckled 
with  grayish  buff.  Lower  parts,  silvery  white,  this  hue  produced 


RUDDY  DUCK.  241 

as  in  the  male  by  the  tips  of  the  feathers.  A  yellowish  wash  on 
upper  part  of  breast.  Sides  and  flanks,  barred  with  brown.  Wings 
and  scapulars,  dark  brown,  the  latter  speckled  with  paler  brown. 
Tail,  dark  brown;  in  some  individuals  the  feathers  are  broadly 
margined  with  pale  olive  or  grayish  brown.  Under  tail  coverts, 
white.  Bill,  blue.  Legs  and  feet,  bluish  gray;  webs,  dark. 
Total  length,  15!  inches;  wing,  5-^;  culmen,  IT%;  tarsus,  \\. 

Young  Male. — Only  differs  from  the  adult  female  in  having 
the  sides  of  the  face  more  or  less  white,  sometimes  entirely  so, 
and  sometimes  the  white  is  spotted  with  brown  and  black. 

Young. — Has  top  of  the  head  like  that  of  the  female;  sides  of 
the  head,  dark  brown,  with  a  white  stripe  from  base  of  bill, 
where  it  is  broadest,  to  the  nape,  passing  below  the  eye.  Chin 
and  throat,  whitish.  Neck,  brownish  white,  many  downy 
feathers  protruding  among  the  full  grown.  Back  and  scapulars, 
blackish  brown,  barred  with  reddish  buff.  Middle  of  the  back 
and  rump,  reddish  brown.  Upper  tail  coverts,  blackish  brown, 
barred  with  reddish,  like  the  scapulars.  Sides  and  flanks,  with 
the  tips  of  the  feathers,  yellowish;  other  parts,  dusky.  Under 
parts,  silvery  gray,  passing  into  dusky,  on  the  crissum.  Under 
tail  coverts,  white.  Maxilla,  dusky;  mandible,  yellow. 

Downy  Young. — Head  and  upper  parts,  smoky  brown,  darkest 
on  head;  a  brownish  white  stripe  from  bill  to  occiput  below 
the  eye,  bordered  beneath  by  one  of  dusky  brown.  Breast,  sooty 
brown;  under  parts,  grayish  white. 


MASKED   DUCK. 

rather  handsome  Duck  is  a  native  of  the  West 
Indies  and  South  America,  and  it  is  only  as  an  acci- 
dental visitor  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States  that 
it  can  be  included  in  our  Fauna.  A  few  instances 
only  are  on  record  of  its  capture  within  our  borders; 
at  Lake  Champlain  in  New  York,  Maiden  in  Massa- 
chusetts, and  on  Rock  River,  Wisconsin,  widely  sepa- 
rated localities.  Another  individual  was  supposed 
to  have  been  seen  on  Lake  Koshkonong,  Wiscon- 
sin, but  as  it  was  not  secured  its  identification  was 
impossible.  It  has  also  been  procured  near  Brownsville 
in  Texas,  and  at  Matamoras  in  Mexico.  In  Trinidad 
and  the  northern  parts  of  South  America,  in  some  of  the 
West  Indian  Islands  and  in  Western  Mexico  this  Duck 
is  frequently  met  with  and  in  some  localities  is  not  rare. 
Nowhere,  however,  is  it  observed  in  such  large  flocks  as 
are  frequently  seen  of  its  relative,  our  common  Ruddy 
Duck,  in  Northern  waters. 

Like  that  species  the  flight  of  the  Masked  Duck  is 
rapid,  but  not  sustained  for  any  great  distance,  and  it  is 
a  sociable  species  and  loves  to  keep  together  in  small 
companies  on  the  lakes  and  lagoons  in  the  localities  it  in- 
habits. In  Trinidad  its  flesh  is  considered  excellent,  and 
it  is  regarded  with  much  favor.  As  a  diver  it  is  an  ex- 
pert, and  remains  under  water  for  a  long  time.  It  swims 
deeply  like  the  Ruddy  Duck,  but  on  land  is  awkward, 
usually  holding  itself  upright  and  supported  in  a  great 
measure  by  its  stiff  tail.  It  is  a  handsome  bird  with  a 


MASKED  DUCK.  243 

more  striking  plumage  even  than  the  summer  dress  of 
the  Ruddy  Duck.  Occasionally  this  species  straggles  far 
to  the  southward  in  South  America,  and  it  has  been  pro- 
cured in  the  Argentine  Republic  and  in  Chili,  but  this 
must  be  regarded  in  the  same  light  as  its  various  appear- 
ances in  our  northern  waters,  merely  as  instances  of  a  few 
individuals  having  strayed,  from  exceptional  causes,  far 
away  from  their  usual  habitats. 


NOMONYX  DOMINIC  US. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Tropical  America,  from  the  West 
Indies  and  northern  South  America  to  the  Lower  Rio  Grande; 
straggling  occasionally  as  far  north  as  Wisconsin  and  Massa- 
chusetts, and  south  to  the  Argentine  Republic  and  Chili. 

Adult  Male. — Head,  excepting  nape,  and  chin,  intense  black. 
Nape,  throat,  neck,  back,  scapulars,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dark 
rusty  cinnambn;  center  of  feathers,  black,  showing  conspicuously. 
Lower  back  and  rump,  dark  brown  spotted  with  black,  and  some 
feathers  edged  with  white.  Upper  part  of  breast,  uniform,  dark 
rusty  cinnamon  grading  into  pale  reddish  buff.  "  Sides  and  flanks 
darker,  with  black  centers  to  the  feathers.  Wings,  blackish 
brown,  with  a  long,  narrow,  white  speculum.  Under  tail  coverts, 
cinnamon  blotched  with  black.  Tail,  dark  rufous  brown;  shafts 
of  feathers,  black.  Rill  and  eyelids,  pale  blue;  median  line  on 
maxilla,  nail,  and  bare  skin  of  chin,  black.  Mandible,  reddish 
white;  tip,  black.  "Outer  aspect  of  tarsus  and  two  outer 
toes,  dark  brown  or  black;  the  inner  side  of  the  tarsus,  inner  toe, 
and  membranes,  pale  brown  spotted  with  black"  (Gundlach). 
Iris,  dark  brown.  Total  length,  about  15  inches;  wing,  sj; 
culmen,  i-^;  tarsus,  i.  Description  taken  from  individual 
killed  at  Maiden,  Mass.,  in  1889,  and  now  in  the  Field  Col- 
umbian Museum,  Chicago. 

Adult  Female. — Top  of  head,  stripe  from  base  of  bill  through 
eye  to  occiput,  and  one  from  gape  to  occiput,  black.  Super- 
ciliary stripe  and  rest  of  head,  buff,  becoming  whitish  on  chin 
and  throat.  Necky  buff  mottled  with  brown.  Upper  parts, 
black,  feathers  edged  with  deep  buff.  Wings,  dark  brown, 
feathers  tipped  with  yellowish  white.  Speculum,  white.  Pri- 


244  WATER  FOWL. 

maries  and  tail,  brownish  black.  Under  parts,  ochraceous 
spotted  with  blackish  on  breast,  flanks,  and  anal  region.  Abdo- 
men, uniform  ochraceous.  Bill,  horn  brown;  nail,  black. 
Total  length,  about  13  inches;  wing,  5;  culmen,  i^;  tarsus,  i. 

Young  Male. — Sides  of  head,  mottled  with  buff,  and  the  under 
parts  of  the  body  are  whitish.  In  other  respects  the  specimen 
agrees  with  the  adult  male.  Still  younger  birds  resemble  the 
female,  but  the  feathers  have  no  brown  centers  on  breast  and 
sides,  and  the  under  parts  are  paler  generally. 


AMERICAN    MERGANSER. 

l/NOWN  by  its  various  names  of  Goosander,  Buff- 
breasted  Sheldrake,  Buff-breasted  Merganser, 
Swamp  Sheldrake,  Weaser,  Fish  Duck,  American  Mer- 
ganser, Scie  de  Mer  and  Sea  Sawbill  in  Louisiana,  and 
many  others  in  various  parts  of  the  land,  the  present 
species  is  distributed  throughout  the  whole  of  North 
America,  breeding  in  the  West  as  far  south  as  Northern 
Colorado,  and  occasionally  going  to  Alaska  and  certain 
of  the  Aleutian  Islands.  It  has  also  visited  the  Ber- 
mudas. In  Alaska  it  is  only  known  to  have  occurred  a 
few  times  within  the  Territory,  but  it  appears  to  be  an 
accidental  visitor  at  Unalaska  Island. 

This  Merganser  is  the  largest,  and  in  my  opinion  the 
handsomest  of  the  Saw-bill  Ducks,  so-called  from  the 
curiously  lengthened  bill  lined  on  the  edges  with 
serrations  like  the  teeth  of  a  saw.  The  American  Mer- 
ganser resembles  almost  precisely  the  European  species, 
and  it  is  very  doubtful  if  anything  is  gained  scientifically 
or  otherwise,  by  the  attempt  to  separate  them;  the  dif- 
ference being  that  the  European  bird  has  an  exposed,  the 
American,  a  concealed,  black  bar  across  the  wings.  The 
Goosander  breeds  in  the  hollows  of  trees,  except  in  far 
northern  districts  such  as  certain  portions  of  the  Arctic 
regions  where  trees  sufficiently  large  are  scarce,  and 
there  it  makes  its  nest  upon  the  ground.  Generally  a 
large  tree  is  selected  upon  the  borders  of  some  inclosed 
lake  among  the  mountains,  or  on  the  bank  of  a  river  in 
a  lonely,  retired  situation,  and  in  a  hollow,  perhaps 


246  WATER  FOWL. 

twenty  feet  from  the  ground,  the  eggs  are  deposited  and 
the  young  hatched.  For  so  large  and  heavy  a  bird,  it  is 
very  quick  and  agile,  and  I  have  seen  it  dart  among 
the  trees,  and  enter  and  leave  the  nest  with  an  easy 
dexterity  that  was  surprising.  It  alights  and  walks 
upon  the  branches  without  any  difficulty,  and  it  is  a 
curious  sight  to  observe  so  large  a  member  of  the  Duck 
tribe  living  upon  the  trees. 

This  bird  is  the  rarest,  I  think,  of  all  the  Mergansers 
or  P'ish  Ducks.  At  all  events  that  is  the  case  in  the 
Atlantic  States,  but  it  is  much  more  frequently  met  with 
in  different  parts  of  the  West  and  on  the  Pacific  coast. 
When  it  appears  in  the  autumn  coming  from  its  north- 
ern breeding  grounds,  it  arrives  in  flocks  of  considerable 
size,  but  in  a  short  time  these  break  up  into  small  parties, 
and  keep  by  themselves,  for  in  my  experience,  the  Goos- 
ander does  not  often  associate  with  other  Ducks,  but 
seems  best  satisfied  with  the  company  of  two  or  three  of 
its  own  species.  It  flies  with  great  rapidity  usually  in  a 
direct  line,  if  over  water,  but  if  in  the  woods,  twists 
and  turns  among  the  trees  and  dodges  the  intervening 
branches  with  the  dexterity  of  a  wild  pigeon.  The  eggs 
are  buffy  white,  and  the  young  are  carried  down  to  the 
water  by  the  mother  in  her  bill.  The  little  things  are 
most  expert  swimmers  and  divers  from  the  moment  they 
enter  the  water,  and  require  no  teaching  to  become  pro- 
ficient in  these  accomplishments.  They  follow  the 
mother  closely,  either  huddled  around  her  in  a  compact 
mass,  or  strung  out  behind  her,  snatching  insects  from 
the  surface  of  the  water.  If  alarmed  they  scurry  away 
with  a  speed  that  is  marvelous,  running  in  fact  over  the 
bosom  of  the  lake  or  river;  the  flock  leaving  a  wake  be- 
hind them  like  that  of  a  miniature  boat.  They  do  not 
dive  unless  hard  pressed,  but  trust  at  first  to  skimming 


AMERICAN  MERGANSER.  247 

surface  of  the  water  before  their  pursuers,  and  generally 
easily  outstrip  a  boat,  leaving  it  far  behind.  But  if  cor- 
nered in  any  way,  by  being  forced  into  a  narrow  bay,  or 
brought  close  to  th'e  shore,  they  will  then  dive  and  remain 
out  of  sight  for  a  considerable  period,  coming  in  view 
again  long  distances  from  where  they  disappeared.  It  is 
no  uncommon  sight  to  witness  the  female  swimming 
quietly  along  with  most  of  her  family  snugly  and  com- 
fortably settled  upon  her  back.  The  little  ones  becoming 
tired,  the  mother  sinks  her  body  until  her  back  is  on  a 
level  with  the  surface,  when  the  young  swim  or  clamber 
on  to  it,  and  she  rises,  lifting  them  out  of  the  water.  Oc- 
casionally the  whole  family  will  settle  themselves  upon  a 
sand  bar  in  the  middle  of  the  river  or  lake,  or  on  a 
gravelly  beach  near  the  bank,  and  preen  their  feathers 
and  sun  themselves;  but  at  the  least  alarm  they  imme- 
diately take  to  the  water  and  move  rapidly  away,  for  in 
disposition  they  are  very  wild  birds. 

The  food  is  exclusively  fish,  which  are  pursued  and 
seized  under  water,  and  immense  numbers  are  destroyed 
by  this  species.  The  Goosander  is  tenacious  of  life,  and 
requires  large  shot  to  bring  it  down,  and  frequently,  after 
falling,  it  recovers  itself  and  effects  its  escape.  It  is  a 
handsome  bird,  and  in  life  the  under  part  of  the  body  is 
suffused  with  an  exquisite  roseate  tinge  or  glow,  that 
fades  rapidly  after  death. 


MERGANSER  AMERICANUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Throughout  North  America, 
breeding  in  the  United  States,  and  in  the  northwest. 

Male.— Head  and  neck,  shining  blackish  green,  crest  on 
occiput.  Upper  parts,  black;  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  ash 
gray.  Primaries  and  secondaries,  black;  rest  of  wing,  mostly 
white,  with  a  black  bar  crossing  it,  formed  by  the  bases  of 


248  WATER  FOWL. 

the  greater  coverts.  Under  parts,  rosy  salmon  color,  which  fades 
rapidly  after  death.  Tail,  ash  gray.  Bill  and  feet,  vermilion; 
the  hook,  black.  Iris,  carmine.  Length  about  26  inches;  wing, 
10.75;  tarsus,  1.95;  culmen,  1.95. 

Female. — Head  and  neck,  reddish  brown  ;  an  occipital  crest  of 
lengthened  feathers  of  the  same  color  extends  along  hind  neck  ; 
chin  and  throat,  white.  Upper  parts,  ash  gray.  Primaries, 
black;  terminal  half  of  secondaries,  white,  forming  a  speculum  or 
spot  on  the  wing.  Flanks,  ash.  Lower  parts,  pale  salmon  color 
in  life;  white  in  preserved  skin.  Tail,  ash  gray.  Bill,  red;  cul- 
men, blackish.  Feet,  orange;  webs,  dusky.  Iris,  yellow.  Aver- 
age total  length,  22-J-  inches;  wing,  gTV,  tarsus,  i^;  culmen,  ly9^. 

Distance  from  nostril  to  nearest  feather  on  head  GREATER  than 
height  of  the  maxilla  at  base,  in  both  sexes. 

Downy  Young. — Upper  parts,  hair  brown,  with  four  white 
spots.  Half  of  head  above  and  hind  neck,  rusty.  Upper  part  of 
lores  crossed  by  a  brown  stripe,  and  a  white  one  on  lower  part, 
bordered  beneath  by  a  narrow  one  of  brown.  Rest  of  head  and 
neck  and  entire  under  parts,  white. 


RED-BREASTED    MERGANSER. 

'""PHIS  well-known  species  is  an  inhabitant  of  both  the 
Old  and  Xew  Worlds,  and  the  birds  of  the  different 
hemispheres,  unlike  the  Goosander,  have  been  permitted 
to  remain  as  one  species,  not  even  the  slightest  character 
having  been  discovered  whereby  they  could  be  separated. 
It  is  known  in  many  parts  of  our  country  by  various 
names,  those  most  commonly  employed  perhaps  being, 
Sheldrake,  Fisherman,  Fish  Duck,  Shelduck,  Saw  Bill, 
Pied  Sheldrake,  Big  Hairy  Crown,  Red-headed  Mergan- 
ser, and  the  one  at  the  head  of  this  article.  In  North 
America  it  breeds  from  the  Northern  States  in  the 
Union,  as  far  as  the  Aleutian  Islands  and  coast  of  Alaska, 
and  is  common  in  the  district  of  St.  Michael.  Mr.  Tur- 
ner found  it  abundant  in  the  islands  of  Attu  and  Atkha  of 
the  Aleutian  chain.  It  arrives  there  in  the  latter  part  of 
May  or  beginning  of  June,  and  remains  through  the 
summer;  and  the  young  are  fully  fledged  in  September. 
The  Aleuts  consider  its  flesh  a  great  delicacy,  and  it  is 
more  highly  prized  by  them  than  any  other  Duck.  In 
winter  it  migrates  as  far  as  southern  California  on  the 
Pacific  coast,  and  to  Florida  on  the  Atlantic. 

This  Merganser  is  more  of  a  marine  species  than  the 
Goosander,  and  is  frequently  met  with  on  our  coasts,  and 
up  the  rivers  that  empty  into  the  sea.  Its  nest  is  placed 
upon  the  ground,  generally  hidden  under  a  bank,  or 
some  rock  or  fallen  trunk  of  a  tree,  and  is  formed  of 
grass,  together  with  feathers  and  down  plucked  from  the 
parents'  breast.  The  eggs,  usually  seven  to  ten  in  num- 


250  WATER  FOWL. 

her,  are  a  fawn,  or  bright  cream  color.  The  young  are 
very  active,  follow  the  female  on  the  water,  and  scurry 
away  at  the  least  alarm  in  the  manner  already  described 
of  the  young  of  the  Goosander.  The  Red-breasted 
Merganser  flies  with  great  rapidity  and  makes  very  little 
noise  with  its  wings,  and  I  have  had  it  approach  when  I 
was  in  a  blind,  so  quietly  that  its  appearance,  in  front  of 
me  and  close  to  the  bank,  would  be  the  first  intimation 
given  that  any  were  in  the  vicinity.  When  startled  or 
alarmed,  either  while  flying  or  swimming,  they  are  in  the 
habit  of  uttering  several  low,  guttural  croaks,  resembling 
in  no  way  the  quack  of  a  Duck,  and,  if  on  the  water,  they 
dive  quickly  and  sometimes  remain  beneath  the  surface 
for  a  long  time,  appearing  in  quite  a  different  place  from 
that  expected.  They  seem  to  be  very  observant,  and 
frequently  I  have  noticed  a  small  flock,  passing  rapidly 
along  the  shore,  suddenly  turn  and  retrace  their  way  and 
alight  with  a  splash,  and  immediately  dive  and  commence 
to  feed.  It  would  seem  that  the  birds  must  have  seen  a 
school  of  small  fish  as  they  flew  by,  and  returned  to  take 
advantage  of  their  presence. 

When  swimming  along  both  sexes  are  accustomed  to 
elevate  and  depress  the  long  occipital  crest,  giving  them 
alternately  a  trustful  and  wild  appearance.  This  species 
feeds  entirely  on  fish,  and  the  flesh  consequently  is  rank 
and  of  a  very  disagreeable  flavor.  When  engaged  in 
fishing,  by  their  rapid  diving  and  maneuvering  beneath 
the  waters,  they  cause  the  small  fish — if  the  schools  are 
of  any  size — to  become  widely  scattered,  and  many  rise 
close  to  the- surface.  The  Gulls  take  advantage  of  such 
opportunities,  and  pounce  upon  their  luckless  finny  prey 
from  above,  and  then,  with  Ducks  diving  into  the  depths 
and  Gulls  plunging  from  above,  the  scene  is  a  very  lively 
one.  I  remember  on  one  occasion  watching  a  number 


RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER.  251 

of  this  Merganser  engaged  in  fishing  in  a  cove,  when 
their  movements  attracted  to  them  a  large  flock  of  Bona- 
parte's Gull  (Larns  Philadelphia),  which  hovered  over  the 
Ducks  for  a  moment  and  then  began  to  plunge  head  for- 
most  into  the  water,  one  after  another  in  rapid  succession, 
emerging  frequently  with  a  small  fish  in  the  bill.  The 
Mergansers  paid  no  attention  to  their  fellow-fishermen, 
although  at  times  a  plunging  Gull  would  come  perilously 
near  one  of  the  saw-billed  gentry  as  he  rose  from  the 
depths;  and  what  with  the  rising  and  disappearing  Mer- 
gansers, and  the  air  above  them  filled  with  the  forms  of 
the  darting  Gulls,  executing  all  manner  of  swift  and 
graceful  evolutions,  the  scene  was  very  spirited  and  full 
of  animation.  Although  having  a  great  partiality 
for  the  sea-coast,  and  the  bays  and  rivers  adjacent 
to  the  ocean,  this  Merganser  is  also  found,  per- 
haps in  not  so  large  numbers,  in  the  interior  of  the 
United  States ;  and  among  certain  of  the  Wisconsin  lakes 
is  of  regular  occurrence,  as  it  passes  north  and  south 
on  its  annual  migration  in  the  spring  and  autumn.  The 
males  generally  precede  the  females,  each  sex  traveling 
toward  their  breeding  grounds  apart  from  the  other. 
The  female  of  this  species  and  that  of  the  Goosander  are 
very  much  alike  in  the  general  color  of  their  plumage, 
and  one  might  readily  be  mistaken  for  the  other;  but  the 
Key  indicates  how  each  can  be  distinguished.  The 
female  of  the  Goosander,  however,  is  a  little  the  larger. 
The  Red-breasted  Merganser  is  not  uncommon  in 
many  parts  of  the  British  Islands  and  on  the  continent 
of  Europe.  It  is  also  found  in  Greenland  and  Iceland, 
and  goes  eastward  as  far  as  Formosa,  China,  and  Japan; 
in  fact,  has  a  fairly  general  distribution  over  the  northern 
parts  of  both  hemispheres.  It  is  one  of  the  Duck  tribe 
most  frequently  met  with  by  the  sportsman,  especially 


252  WATER   FOWL. 

on  the  sea-coast,  when  engaged  in  his  favorite  pastime  of 
shooting  over  decoys,  and  while  prized  by  some,  is  not 
considered  by  many  as  an  especially  desirable  addition 
to  the  game  bag.  The  male,  however,  is  one  of  the 
handsomest  Ducks  in  our  country,  and  with  his  glossy 
metallic  head  and  crest,  and  variegated  body,  presents 
a  very  brave  appearance  as  he  swims  proudly  along  by 
his  mate  under  the  bright  sun  of  the  early  spring. 


MERGANSER   SERRATOR. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  portions  of  both  hemi- 
spheres. In  winter  throughout  the  United  States.  Breeds  from 
the  northern  States  to  the  Aleutian  Islands. 

Male. — Head  and  occipital  crest  of  lengthened  hair-like 
feathers,  black,  with  green  and  purple  reflections,  the  former 
predominating.  A  broad  white  ring  around  the  neck  beneath 
the  black,  with  a  narrow  black  line  crossing  it  at  back.  Back 
and  inner  scapulars,  black.  Lower  back  and  rump,  gray,  mot- 
tled with  black  and  white.  Primaries,  blackish  brown.  Wing, 
mostly  white,  crossed  by  two  black  bars,  formed  by  the  bases  of 
the  secondaries  and  greater  coverts.  Outer  webs  of  inner  sec- 
ondaries, edged  with  black.  In  front  of  the  shoulder  of  the  wing 
is  a  patch  of  white  feathers  narrowly  bordered  with  black. 
Lower  neck  and  upper  part  of  breast,  pale  cinnamon,  or  dark 
brownish  buff,  streaked  with  black.  This  conspicuous  band 
varies  in  depth  of  coloration  among  individuals.  Flanks,  irregu- 
larly barred  with  narrow  lines  of  grayish  white  and  black.  Rest 
of  under  surface,  white,  suffused  with  a  salmon  tinge.  Tail, 
grayish  brown,  lighter  on  edges  of  webs.  Bill,  carmine,  with 
the  culmen  dusky;  nail,  yellowish.  Legs  and  feet,  orange  red. 
Iris,  carmine.  Average  total  length,  about  22i  inches;  wing,  8TV; 
tail,  4;  tarsus,  i^;  culmen,  2T4ff.  Distance  from  nostril  to  nearest 
feather  on  head  LESS  than  height  of  bill  at  base,  in  both  sexes. 

Female. — Top  of  head  and  crest,  fuscous;  sides  of  head  and 
neck,  brownish  buff  or  pale  cinnamon.  Upper  parts,  dark  gray- 
ish, inclining  to  a  brownish  hue.  White  patch  on  the  wing, 
divided  by  a  black  bar  formed  by  the  bases  of  the  secondaries. 
Throat,  white;  lower  neck,  gray.  Under  parts,  white,  tinged 


RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER.  253 

with  salmon.  Bill,  legs,  and  feet,  similar  in  color  to  those  of  the 
male,  but  less  bright  in  hue.  Length,  about  20  inches;  wing,  8|; 
tarsus,  i|;  culmen,  2^-. 

Young.—  Chin  and  throat,  pale  reddish;  lower  neck  and  upper 
part  of  breast,  brownish  white.  Base  of  secondaries,  black, 
forming  bar  across  the  wing.  Rest  of  plumage,  similar  to  that 
of  the  female. 

Downy  Young. — Sides  of  head  and  neck,  cinnamon,  inclining 
to  rusty,  becoming  lighter  on  the  lores,  which  are  bordered 
above  and  below  with  a  dusky  stripe.  Upper  parts,  hair 
brown;  cheeks,  spot  on  wing,  and  on  each  side  of  back  and  rump, 
and  also  all  the  lower  parts,  yellowish  white. 


HOODED   MERGANSER. 

V/yATER  Pheasant,  Hairy  Head,  Hairy  Crown, 
Swamp  and  Pond  Sheldrake,  Cock  Robin,  Little 
Saw  Bill,  Saw-bill  Diver,  Spike  Bill,  Wood  Duck,  Bee 
Scie  and  Cotton  Head  in  Louisiana,  and  Hooded  Mer- 
ganser are  some  of  the  names  by  which  this  beautiful 
bird  is  known  to  the  gunners  and  sportsmen  of  the  United 
States.  Numerous  others  are  also  given  it,  some  of  which 
are  extremely  local,  and  never  heard  save  by  a  very  few. 
It  is  much  smaller  than  the  two  preceding  species  of 
Merganser,  and  the  male  is  remarkable  for  the  large  and 
beautiful  crest,  white,  margined  with  black.  It  is  exclu- 
sively a  North  American  species,  and  has  only  appeared 
at  rare  intervals  in  the  Old  World,  where  it  can  be  re- 
garded merely  as  a  straggler.  It  ranges  all  over  North 
America  from  Alaska  and  possibly  Greenland,  on  the 
respective  sides  of  the  continent,  to  Mexico  and  Cuba. 
In  Alaska  it  is  rare  and  probably  only  wanders  up  to  that 
Territory  in  the  summer  time  in  small  scattering  flocks, 
but  is  very  common  in  the  United  States,  breeding  in 
many  parts  of  the  land,  even  as  far  south  as  Florida,  and 
spreading  all  over  the  Union  in  autumn  and  winter.  This 
species,  like  the  Goosander,  breeds  in  hollow  trees,  lining 
the  cavity  with  grass,  dry  leaves,  and  feathers,  and  down 
from  the  female's  breast,  and  about  six  ivory  white  eggs 
are  deposited.  The  site  for  the  nest  is  generally  in  some 
tree  standing  on  the  border  of  an  inland  lake  or  stream 
in  the  forest,  where  discovery  would  be  least  likely,  and 


HOODED  MERGANSER.  255 

where  small  fish  in  the  near-by  waters  would  be  most 
abundant.  They  consume  immense  numbers  of  fish,  and 
the  presence  of  a  few  Mergansers,  no  matter  of  what 
species,  on  a  trout  lake  or  stream,  means  great  loss  to 
the  sportsman,  as  the  fry  have  no  chance  of  escaping  the 
rapid  movements  of  these  hungry,  energetic  birds. 

Their  progress  under  water  is  extremely  rapid,  and 
the  wings  as  well  as  the  feet  are  used  as  means  of  propul- 
sion, perhaps  more  dependence  being  placed  upon  the 
wings,  and  they  may  be  said  to  fly  beneath  the  surface. 
The  female  carries  the  young  down  to  the  water  in  her 
bill,  and  the  little  creatures  are  at  once  entirely  at  home 
in  the  element;  diving,  and  sporting  with  each  other  as 
if  they  had  become  perfected  by  long  practice,  instead  of 
its  being  their  first  experience. 

The  Hooded  Merganser  appears  to  be  equally  as 
numerous  in  the  autumn  and  winter  in  the  interior  of  the 
United  States  as  on  the  sea-coast,  and  frequents  the 
lakes  in  company  with  the  larger  species  of  Ducks,  or  is 
seen  rapidly  passing  over  the  surface  of  the  rivers.  On 
the  wing  it  is  one  of  the  swiftest  Ducks  that  fly,  and  it 
hurls  itself  through  the  air  with  almost  the  velocity  of  a 
bullet.  Generally  it  proceeds  in  a  direct  line,  but  if  it 
is  alarmed  at  any  object  suddenly  appearing  before  it, 
the  course  is  changed  with  the  swiftness  of  thought, 
and  a  detour  made  before  again  taking  the  first  line  of 
progression.  Sometimes,  without  apparent  reason,  the 
course  will  be  altered,  and  away  it  shoots  at  right  angles 
to  the  first  route;  and  again,  it  vacillates  as  though  un- 
certain which  way  to  take,  or  as  if  it  was  looking  for  a 
good  feeding  place.  Usually  five  or  six,  but  more  fre- 
quently a  pair,  are  seen  flying  together,  and  often,  on 
dull  days  when  the  lookout  in  a  blind  is  somewhat  re- 
laxed, and  the  sportsman  is  consoling  himself  for  lack  of 


256  WATER   FOWL. 

birds  with  possibly  a  nap  or  the  lunch  basket,  the  first 
intimation  of  the  presence  of  a  Hairy  Crown  is  given  by 
one  or  more  flashing  close  over  head  with  a  startling 
whirr,  and  then  as  rapidly  disappearing  in  the  distance. 
It  requires  a  steady  hand  and  correct  eye  to  kill  them  on 
the  wing,  and  the  gunner  must  be  ever  mindful  of  the 
good  old  adage  in  duck-shooting,  "  Hold  well  ahead!  " 

The  movements  of  this  bird  upon  the  water  are  quick 
and  active,  and  it  swims  rapidly  and  dives  with  great 
celerity.  It  is  a  beautiful  object,  and  few  birds  surpass  the 
male  in  attractiveness  as  he  swims  lightly  along,  elevat- 
ing and  depressing  his  beautiful  crest.  If  suspicious,  this 
species  will  sink  the  body  until  the  water  is  almost  level 
with  the  back,  and  sometimes  disappears  beneath  the  sur- 
face, apparently  without  effort,  as  if  some  unseen  hand  was 
pulling  it  down.  When  wounded  it  is  one  of  the  most 
difficult  birds  to  secure,  and  it  dives  with  such  quick- 
ness, remains  under  water  so  long,  and  skulks  and  hides 
with  so  much  skill  that  it  is  very  apt  to  make  its  escape, 
and  always  tries  the  patience  of  its  pursuer,  whether  dog 
or  man,  to  the  utmost.  On  the  sea-coast  the  Hooded 
Merganser  keeps  mainly  to  the  creeks  and  ponds  in  the 
marshes,  and  rarely  is  seen  in  the  more  open  waters  of 
the  sounds,  unless  obliged  to  fly  over  the  broad  expanse 
when  passing  from  one  marsh  to  another;  but  it  rarely 
alights  far  from  any  shore.  It  is  fond  of  pursuing  its 
finny  prey  under  the  shelter  of  a  bank,  or  in  quiet 
stretches  of  narrow,  sinuous  creeks,  where  it  is  least 
likely  to  be  observed.  It  rises  from  the  water  without 
any  preliminary  motions,  and  is  on  the  wing  at  once, 
and  in  full- flight,  the  pinions  moving  with  a  rapidity  that 
almost  creates  a  blur  on  either  side  of  the  body,  the  out- 
line of  the  wing  disappearing.  It  utters  a  hoarse  croak, 
like  a  small  edition  of  the  note  of  the  Red-breasted  Mer- 


HOODED  MERGANSER.  257 

ganser.  Altogether  this  handsome  species  is  a  sprightly, 
attractive  creature,  and  a  great  ornament  to  the  locali- 
ties it  frequents. 


LOPHODYTES   CUCULLA  TUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Throughout  North  America,  from 
Alaska,  and  possibly  Greenland,  to  Mexico  and  Cuba.  Acci- 
dental in  the  British  Islands,  and  the  Continent  of  Europe. 
Breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Aditlt  Male. — Head,  neck,  and  back,  black;  crest,  pure  white, 
bordered  narrowly  with  black.  Scapulars,  black.  Wing  cov- 
erts, dark  gray,  white  patch  on  wing  divided  by  a  black  bar. 
Tertials,  black,  with  a  white  central  stripe.  Primaries,  dark 
brown.  Rump,  dark  brown.  In  front  of  wing  on  the  side  of 
chest  are  two  black  and  two  white  crescentic  bars,  pointed  at 
one  end;  the  first  on  chest,  the  latter  on  back.  Flanks,  grayish 
brown  toward  the  chest,  grading  into  reddish  brown  toward  the 
tail,  crossed  by  fine  wavy  black  lines.  Under  parts,  pure  white. 
Vent  and  under  tail  coverts,  mottled  with  dusky.  Bill,  black. 
Legs  and  feet,  yellowish  brown.  Iris,  bright  yellow.  Total 
length,  about  18  inches;  wing,  y|;  tail,  4^;  tarsus,  i-^;  cul- 
men,  i-J. 

Adult  Female.— Head,  neck,  and  upper  parts,  grayish  brown, 
darkest  on  the  back.  Crest,  reddish  brown.  Chin  and  throat, 
white.  Patch  on  wing,  white,  crossed  with  a  black  bar.  Flanks, 
grayish  brown.  Under  parts,  white,  crissum  with  rather  in- 
distinct grayish  brown  bars.  Tail,  dark  grayish  brown,  like  the 
back.  Bill:  maxilla,  black,  edged  with  orange;  mandible,  orange; 
nail,  brownish  black.  Feet,  light  brown.  Iris,  hazel.  Length, 
about  16^;  wing,  7^;  tarsus,  i-fo;  culmen,  i^. 

Immature  Male. — Head  and  neck,  grayish  brown,  the  latter 
mottled  and  blotched  with  black.  Crest,  brownish  white,  edged 
with  blackish  brown.  Upper  parts,  blackish  brown,  all  the 
feathers  tipped  with  pale  brown.  Wings,  colored  like  the  back, 
a  few  of  the  tertials  having  a  white  stripe  in  the  center,  and  the 
outer  webs  changing  to  black.  Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts, 
dark  umber  brown.  Primaries,  blackish  brown,  the  webs  edged 
with  pale  brown.  Breast,  light  brownish  gray.  Flanks,  light 
brown.  Lower  breast,  abdomen,  and  vent,  white.  Under  tail 


258  WATER  FOWL. 

coverts,  blackish  brown.  Tail,  dark  brown,  feathers  edged  at 
tip  with  brownish  white.  The  feathers  have  a  glossy  appear- 
ance, but  only  give  a  slight  indication  of  the  plumage  assumed 
by  the  adult  male. 

Downy  Young. — Upper  parts,  brown,  darkest  on  back  and 
rump;  lower  portion  of  head,  chin,  and  throat,  light  buff.  Gray- 
ish white  spot  on  either  side  of  back  and  rump.  Breast,  pale 
brown;  belly,  white. 


i 


SMEW. 

IT  is,  so  to  speak,  rather  stretching  a  point,  to  include 
this  beautiful  species  among  the  North  American 
Water  Fowl,  with  only  an  example  of  a  female  in  the 
British  Museum,  purchased  from  the  Hudson  Bay  Com- 
pany, to  prove  the  propriety  of  such  a  course.  But  I 
have  always  observed  that  ornithological  committees  are 
most  lenient  when  the  admission  of  a  handsome  bird 
(which  under  the  most  favorable  circumstance  can  be 
regarding  as  the  merest  exceptional  straggler  from 
foreign  lands)  into  their  native  avi-fauna  is  to  be  con- 
sidered. I  must,  however,  warn  my  American  readers 
not  to  go  hunting  after  this  bird,  for  it  is  more  than 
doubtful  if  any  one  of  them  will  ever  see  it  in  the  flesh 
within  the  limits  of  North  America,  unless  shipped  there 
from  some  port  in  the  Old  World.  It  is  true  that  Audu- 
bon  claimed  to  have  obtained  a  specimen,  and  this  also 
a  female,  on  Lake  Barataria  in  Louisiana  near  New 
Orleans  in  1817,  but  none  has  been  observed  within  the 
limits  of  the  United  States  since  that  date  so  far  as  I  am 
aware.  At  all  events  one  cannot  fail  to  notice  that,  up  to 
this  time,  the  male  has  rigorously  and  successfully 
avoided  our  shores. 

The  Smew  is  a  native  of  northern  Europe  and  Asia, 
going  in  winter  to  the  Mediterranean,  and  from  Great 
Britain  on  the  west  to  Japan  in  the  east.  It  is  fond  of 
resorting  to  fresh  water,  and  frequents  rivers  and  lakes, 
flies  with  great  rapidity,  and  like  all  of  its  kind  is  a  great 
diver.  It  feeds  on  small  fish,  shell  fish,  small  reptiles, 


260  WATER  FOWL. 

and  insects.  The  Smew  breeds  in  holes  of  trees,  near 
lakes  or  rivers,  retiring  from  the  sea-coast  during  the 
mating  season.  The  male  is  a  very  attractive  bird,  and 
in  spite  of  the  more  brilliant  coloring  possessed  by  its 
relatives,  in  its  pure  white  dress  with  the  jet  black  mark- 
ings, has  a  strong  claim  to  be  considered  as  one  of 
the  handsomest  of  them  all. 

M ERG  US  ALBELLUS. 

Geographical  Distribution. — Northern  Europe  and  Asia,  go- 
ing in  winter  to  the  Mediterranean,  northern  Ijidia,  China,  and 
Japan.  Very  accidental  in  North  America,  the  male  never  hav- 
ing been  seen  within  its  limits. 

Adult  Male. — General  plumage,  white.  A  large  patch  at 
base  of  the  bill,  including  the  lores  and  eyes;  lower  portion  of 
nuchal  crest,  middle  of  the  back,  and  two  crescentic  narrow 
lines  on  side  of  breast,  outer  edge  of  scapulars,  and  rump,  jet 
black.  Upper  tail  coverts,  gray;  edges,  lighter.  Middle  wing 
coverts,  white;  greater  coverts  and  secondaries,  black,  tipped 
with  white.  Primaries,  blackish  brown.  Tail,  dark  gray. 
Sides  and  flanks  undulated  with  fine  black  lines  on  a  gray 
ground.  Bill,  bluish;  nail,  lighter.  Iris,  bluish  white.  Legs 
and  feet,  bluish  lead  color;  webs,  darker.  Total  length,  about 
i6f  inches;  wing,  7^;  culmen,  ij;  tarsus,  \\. 

Adult  Female. — Head  and  nape,  chestnut  brown;  lores  and 
cheeks,  brownish  black.  Throat  and  sides  of  neck,  white. 
Upper  parts,  brownish  gray,  darkest  on  the  rump;  some  feathers 
on  back  tipped  with  ashy  gray.  Wings  like  the  male.  Tertials, 
brown.  Upper  breast,  slaty  gray.  Sides  and  flanks,  brownish 
gray.  Under  parts,  white.  Tail,  brown  gray. 

Downy  Young. — Upper  half  of  head,  including  the  eye,  back 
of  neck,  and  upper  parts  of  the  body,  blackish  brown.  Sides  of 
head,  chin,  and  throat,  small  spot  below  the  eye,  a  spot  on  edge 
and  another  at  joint  of  wing,  one  on  flanks  and  one  on  each  side 
of  the  rump,  together  with  the  breast  and  abdomen,  white. 
Upper  breast,  dusky;  flanks,  brown. 


APPENDIX. 

KEYS  TO  THE  SUBFAMILIES,  GENERA,  AND  SPECIES. 


ORDER  ANSERES. 


FAMILY  ANATID^E. 

Bill  usually  flat,  broad,  sometimes  long  and  narrow,  provided 
with  lamelke,  or  tooth-like  projections  on  sides  and  with  a  nail  at 
the  tip.  Toes,  four;  the  three  anterior  ones  webbed,  hind  toe 
normal  or  lobed.  Tarsus,  flattened. 

KEY  TO   THE   SUBFAMILIES. 

(For  North  American  Species.} 
A.  Bill  not  compressed;  no  tooth-like  serrations. 

a.  Hind  toe  not  lobed. 

a'.  Neck  very  long,  sometimes  as  long  \ 
as  the  body.  Size  large.  Skin  cover-  > 
ing  bill  extending  to  the  eyes.  ) 

b '.  Neck    moderate.     Bill  strong,   higher  ] 
at  base  than  at  side ;  cutting  edges  more   ! 
or  less  beveled,  sometimes  exposing  the  j 
prominent  lamellae. 
c '.  Neck,  short. 

a".  Tail  feathers  long,  broad,  rounded  1 

at    tip.      Upper    coverts    very    long,   j 

nearly    reaching    end    of    tail.      Bill   V 

rather  narrow,  high  at  base,  tapering 

to  a  point. 
b" ,  Tail     feathers     moderate,     median  \ 

pair  sometimes  elongated.     Bill  flat,  £• 

frequently  very  broad. 

b.  Hind  toe  broadly  lobed. 
a'.  Tail  feathers  normal. 


THE   SWAN. 

Cygnince. 


THE   GEESE. 

Ansertnce. 


WOOD    DUCK. 

Plectropte- 
rincz, 

FRESH-WATER 
DUCKS. 

Anattnce, 


b '.  Tail  feathers  narrow,  stiff,  pointed. 

B.  Bill  greatly  compressed;  serrations,  tooth-  J 
like.  f 

263 


SEA-DUCKS. 

Fuligulince. 

SPINE-TAIL 
DUCKS. 

Erismaturincz . 

MERGANSERS. 

Mergince. 


264  WATER  FOWL. 

FAMILY  ANATID^E. 

SWAN,     GEESE,     DUCKS,     AND     MERGANSERS. 

THIS  great  family,  represented  throughout  the  world, 
contains  the  Swan,  Geese,  and  Ducks,  including  the 
Mergansers  or  Saw-billed  Ducks  so-called.  At  one  time 
North  America  was  inhabited  by  myriads  of  these  fowl, 
which  passed  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the 
continent  during  spring  and  autumn  in  countless  num- 
bers; but  of  late  years  their  ranks  have  been  greatly 
thinned,  and  it  is  evident  to  the  most  casual  observer  that 
the  birds  are  rapidly  passing  away.  Of  the  many  sub- 
families of  which  the  Family  of  the  Anatidse  is  composed, 
only  seven  are  represented  in  North  America,  containing, 
according  to  the  author's  views,  sixty-two  species  and 
subspecies,  some  of  which,  however,  are  not  strictly 
natives  of  the  continent,  but  merely  stragglers  within  its 
borders.  The  first  of  the  subfamilies,  following  the 
arrangement  decided  upon  for  this  book,  is: 

SUBFAMILY  CYGNIN^E. 

THE     SWAN. 

IN  this  division  are  placed  the  largest  birds  among  the 
Water  Fowl,  the  Swan.  There  are  but  few  species,  and 
these  are  found  pretty  much  throughout  the  world. 
Usually  of  an  immaculate  white  plumage  when  adult, 
there  is  one  exception,  the  Australian  Swan,  which  is 
black,  thus  sustaining  the  character  of  the  general  fauna 
of  that  continent,  in  being  different  from  those  of  other 
parts  of  the  world.  There  are  about  eight  species  known 
of  Swan  or  Swan-like  birds,  placed  in  three  genera,  five 


SUBFAMILY  CYGNINsE.  265 

confined  to  Europe,  Asia,  and  Xorth  America,  two  to 
South  America,  and  one  to  Australia.  The  majority  are 
large  birds  with  long,  flexible  necks,  and  some  with 
powerful  voices,  one  only  being  mute.  They  associate 
in  flocks  of  from  five  or  six  to  thirty,  sometimes  even 
more,  and  are  very  conspicuous  objects  in  the  places 
where  they  are  accustomed  to  -resort.  Of  this  subfamily 
only  one  genus  is  represented  in  North  America. 


GENUS  CYGNUS 
(Greek  KJIKVOS,  kuknos;  Latin  cygnus,  a  swan.) 

Cygnus  Bechst.  Orn.  Taschenb.,  1803,  vol.  ii.,  p.  404  (note). 
Type  Anas  olor,  Gmel. 

Bill  as  long  as  head,  high  at  base,  deeper  than  wide,  broad 
and  rather  flat  at  tip.  Skin  of  bill  reaching  to  eyes.  Nostrils 
situated  high,  and  placed  about  the  middle  of  the  length  of  bill. 
Neck  very  long  and  flexible.  Tibiae  bare  on  lower  part.  Legs 
behind  center  of  body.  Tarsus  shorter  than  middle  toe  and 
claw.  Feet  large.  Wings  long.  Tail  short. 

For  a  long  series  of  years  the  term  CYGNUS,  given  by  Bech- 
stein,  as  recorded  above,  was  adopted  by  all  ornithologists 
throughout  the  world  for  the  White  Swan.  In  1832  Wagler 
proposed  the  term  Olor,  which  was  a  specific  name  for  the 
European  Swan,  but  this  was  not  generally,  if  at  all,  adopted  by 
naturalists.  In  1882  Stejneger  revived  this  term  in  his  paper  on 
the  CYGNIN^E,  published  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  United  States 
National  Museum,  including  in  it  two  European  species,  cygnus 
(Anas  cygnus,  Linn.)  and  bewickzi  ;  also  two  American  species, 
columbtanus  and  buccinator.  The  only  difference  he  mentions 
in  the  diagnoses  of  the  genera,  Cygmis  and  Olor  as  given  on 
pages  189  and  197,  is  that  the  down  on  the  head  of  the  young  in 
Cygnus  does  not  form  distinct  loral  antise;  but  it  does  do  this  in 
Olor,  and  also  that  the  tail  of  the  species  of  Cygnus  is  cuneate, 
but  rounded  in  Olor.  These  differences  are  all  the  characters 
produced  which  are  claimed  as  generic.  In  questioning  the 
wisdom  or  even  the  advisability  of  this  attempt  to  reinstate  Olor 
as  here  formulated,  and  thus  suppressing  a  term  in  which  the 


266  WATER  FOWL. 

majority  of  Swan  have  been  placed  for  many  years  (the  reasons 
given  being  so  very  slight  and  insufficient),  I  am  fully  aware  of 
the  difficulties  that  exist  in  deciding  as  to  what  kind  of  char- 
acters and  how  many,  in  the  conflicting  opinions  of  ornithol- 
ogists, there  should  be  to  properly  establish  a  genus;  for  upon 
this  subject  there  is  not  complete  accord  among  naturalists. 
But,  waiving  these  points,  it  is  generally  conceded  that  THE  char- 
acter or  characters  upon  which  a  genus  is  founded  should  at  least 
be  permanent,  so  that  an  animal  included  in  that  genus  might 
at  all  stages  of  its  ADULT  existence  be  able  to  exhibit  the  proofs 
that  it  properly  belonged  there.  Otherwise,  if  this  should  not  be 
so,  a  species,  as  it  underwent  modifications  at  different  periods  of 
its  life,  would  have  to  be  included  in  various  genera,  a  proposition 
not  to  be  entertained  for  a  moment  by  any  serious  scientific  per- 
son. The  main  character  to  separate  Cygnus  and  Olor  from 
each  other,  as  given  by  Stejneger,  is,  as  I  have  already  quoted,  the 
distribution  of  the  down  on  the  head  of  the  young  birds,  an  evan- 
escent, adolescent,  and  unreliable  distinction,  one  not  possessed 
by  the  adults,  and  which,  if  recognized,  would  place  the  young  in 
one  genus,  the  adults  in  another.  This  fact  is  indisputable,  and 
the  error  it  embodies  is  one  no  ornithologist  should  countenance, 
much  less  perpetuate  by  any  act  of  his  own.  The  single  remain- 
ing point,  a  cuneate  or  rounded  tail,  of  itself  can  hardly  be 
deemed  sufficient  to  establish  a  genus,  even  by  the  most  extreme 
advocate  of  novelties.  For  the  reasons  here  given,  which  to  my 
mind  are  ample,  I  have  not  adopted  Olor,  but  have  retained  the 
familiar  and  appropriate  term  by  which  the  White  Swan  have 
been  so  long  known. 

Three  species  of  Swan  are  now  included  in  the  avi-fauna  of 
North  America;  one,  however,  possessing  but  slight  claims  to  be 
considered  a  resident  of  the  continent.  Of  the  two  that  are 
unquestionably  North  American,  the  Trumpeter  has  a  com- 
paratively restricted  dispersion,  and  is  not  nearly  so  well  known 
as  its  relative,  the  Whistling  Swan.  Both  are  magnificent  birds, 
the  Trumpeter,  as  its  name  implies,  being  remarkable  for  its 
sonorous  voice.  The  Whooping  Swan,  a  straggler  into  far-away 
Greenland,  is  a  native  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere,  and  has 
never  appeared  upon  the  continent  of  North  America.  It  is 
easily  recognizable,  if  anyone  should  happen  to  meet  it  within 
our  boundaries  (a  very  unlikely  event),  by  the  large  amount  of 
yellow  on  the  bill. 


SUBFAMILY  ANSERINE.  267 


KEY  TO   THE   SPECIES. 

A.  Plumage  of  adults  entirely  white. 
a.  Bill  all  black. 

\          WHISTLING 

a'.  Yellow  spot  on  lores  near  eye.  SWAN. 

)  C.columbianus. 

TRUMPETER 

b '.  No  spot  on  lores.  SWAN. 

C.  buccinator. 

WHOOPING 


b.  Bill,  with  basal  portion  and  lores,  yellow; 

SWAN. 

C.  cygnus. 


remainder  black.  ( 


SUBFAMILY  ANSERINE. 

THE    GEESE. 

THIS  subfamily  includes  the  Geese  of  the  world,  ar- 
ranged in  six  genera,  possessing  about  twenty-five 
species.  Geese  are  about  halfway  between  the  Swan 
and  Ducks,  having  moderately  long  necks,  rather  long 
legs  carrying  the  body  well  above  the  ground,  and  a  com- 
paratively easy,  though  not  a  graceful,  walk.  They  are 
provided  with  a  strong  bill,  and  subsist  largely  upon 
grass,  which  they  break  off  from  the  root  by  a  quick 
jerk  sideways.  They  have  a  powerful  flight,  capable  of 
being  sustained  for  many  hours  at  a  time,  and  the  species 
are  in  the  habit  of  associating  in  large  flocks.  The  flesh 
is  very  palatable,  especially  that  of  the  young  birds,  and 
in  the  Arctic  regions  these  fowl  are  the  main  support  of 
large  numbers  of  people.  While  as  a  rule  the  different 
species  are  confined  to  separate  continents  or  portions  of 
continents,  there  are  cases  where  the  same  species  in- 
habits the  northern  part  of  both  hemispheres.  Many  of 
them  can  be  domesticated,  and  they  will  breed  in  con- 
finement. Five  genera -of  this  subfamily  are  represented 
in  Xorth  America. 


268 


WATER  FOWL. 


KEY  TO   THE   GENERA. 

A.  Lores  feathered. 

a.  Serrations  on  the  greater  portion  of  the 
cutting  edge?  of  maxilla  visible. 

a '.  Plumage  all  white,  or  head  and  neck 

only  entirely  white.     Primaries,  black 

or  blackish  brown. 

a".  Bill  stout;  depth  at  base  more  than  ^ 
half  the  length  of  the  culmen;  no  ex-  I 
crescences  on  basal  portion.  Black  j 
space  on  commissure.  Size  large. 

b" .  Bill  weak;  depth  at  base  less  than 
half  the  length  of  the  culmen;  basal 
portion  covered  with  wart-like  ex- 
crescences. No  black  space  on  the 
commissure.  Size  small. 

b'.  Plumage  never  all  white,  nor  with  an 
entirely  white  head  or  neck. 

b.  Serrations  of  cutting    edge    of   maxilla 
visible  only  at  angle  of  the  mouth;  com- 
missure concave. 

c.  Serrations  of  cutting  edge  of  maxilla  not 
visible;  commissure  straight. 


SNOW   GEESE. 

Chen. 


ROSS'S   SNOW 
GOOSE. 

Exanthemops. 

LAUGHING 
GEESE. 

Anser. 

EMPEROR   GOOSE. 

Philacte. 

CRAVAT   GEESE. 

Branta. 


GENUS  CHEN 
(Greek  xi)",  chen,  a  goose). 

Chen,  Boie.  Isis,  1822,  p.  563.  Type  Anser  hyperboreus, 
Pall. 

Bill  as  long  as  the  head,  powerful,  higher  than  wide  at  base, 
edges  of  maxilla  and  mandible  greatly  beveled,  exposing  the 
prominent  lamellae.  Nostrils  situated  high  on  basal  portion  of 
maxilla.  Tarsus  longer  than  middle  toe  and  claw.  Feet  rather 
small. 

Two  species  and  one  subspecies  are  retained  in  this  genus,  two 
of  which,  the  Greater  and  Lesser  Snow  Geese,  possess  nothing 
to  distinguish  them  apart  save  a  difference  in  size.  This,  on  an 
average,  is  stated  to  be  about  nine  inches  in  the  total  length,  but 


SUBFAMILY  ANSERINE. 


269 


as  there  is  a  great  variation  in  the  measurement  of  individuals, 
it  is  not  easy  at  times  to  determine  as  to  which  form  an  indi- 
vidual belongs.  These  two  Snow  Geese  are  distributed  in  their 
migrations  over  all  North  America,  the  imaginary  dividing  line 
of  the  species  and  subspecies  being  the  Mississippi  Valley,  which 
is  the  winter  locality  of  the  less  known  Blue  Wavey  or  Blue 
Goose. 


KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

A.  Feathering    on  lateral   base    of    maxilla, 
convex;  blackish  space  at  commissure. 

a.  Plumage     chiefly    grayish    brown    and 
bluish  gray. 

b.  Plumage  all  white  save  primaries,  which 
are  black. 

a'.  Size  small.     Average  total  length  sajd 
to  be  28  inches. 

b' .  Size  large.     Average  total  length  said 
to  be  34  inches. 


GOOSE 


LESSER   SNOW 
GOOSE. 

C.  hyperboreus. 

GREATER   SNOW 
GOOSE. 

C  h.  nivalts. 


GENUS  EXANTHEMOPS 

(Greek  t^AvO^iia.,  exanthema,  eruption  -|-  <tyas,  opsis, 
resemblance). 

Exanthemops,  Elliot.  B.  of  North  America,  1868,  vol.  ii., 
pi.  xliv.,  text.  Type  Anser  rossz,  Cass. 

Base  of  bill  thickly  covered  with  wart-like  excrescences;  bill 
weak,  no  gape  at  commissure  and  no  blackish  space  present. 
Feathering  on  lateral  base  of  maxilla  nearly  straight.  Size  very 
small. 

Only  one  species  of  this  very  distinct  genus  is  known,  the 
diminutive  Ross's  Goose.  It  is  no  larger  than  many  species  of 
Ducks,  and  can  always  be  readily  distinguished  from  all  Geese, 
in  addition  to  its  small  size,  by  the  conspicuous  and  unusual 
excrescences  at  the  base  of  the  bill,  which  in  some  specimens 
cover  this  part  entirely. 


270  WATER  FOWL. 

GENUS  ANSER 
(Latin  anser,  a  goose). 

Anser,  Briss.  Orn.,  1760,  vol.  vi.,  p.  261.  Type  Anas  anser, 
Linn. 

Bill  stout,  not  longer  than  head,  depth  at  base  less  than  half 
the  length  of  culmen,  tapering  to  tip.  Serrations  of  maxilla 
visible  when  bill  is  closed.  Nostrils  on  basal  half  of  maxilla, 
placed  high  up  near  culmen.  Tarsus  shorter  than  middle  toe 
and  claw. 

The  White-fronted  Geese  of  the  Old  and  New  Worlds  have 
been  separated  as  a  species  and  subspecies  on  a  difference  of 
size  averaging  one  inch  in  the  total  length  of  the  adult  and 
.37  inch  in  extent  of  the  culmen.  This  is  a  worse  case  than 
the  Snow  Geese,  because  the  White-fronted  Geese  of  the  two 
hemispheres  are  so  nearly  equal  in  their  dimensions  that,  the 
locality  of  a  specimen  being  unknown,  its  identification  is  im- 
possible, for  it  would  not  be  difficult  to  find  individuals  among 
the  European  White-fronted  Geese  that  were  even  larger  than 
some  of  the  American. 

As  I  have  had  occasion  to  remark,  when  writing  of  certain 
other  species  in  this  book,  size  alone  is  a  most  unsatisfactory 
character  (?)  to  go  by  in  determining  species  or  subspecies,  and 
when  persisted  in  is  most  apt  to  create  confusion. 

In  this  instance  I  do  not  consider  that  this  slight  difference  of 
dimensions  is  of  sufficient  consequence  to  cause  the  recognition 
of  two  forms  of  this  Goose,  and  in  this  book,  therefore,  I  have 
placed  the  species  and  its  so-called  subspecies  under  the  name 
bestowed  by  Gmelin,  and  after  careful  study  of  the  question,  and 
examination  of  examples  from  both  hemispheres,  I  should  require 
better  evidence  than  any  yet  produced  to  convince  me  that  it  is 
desirable  to  establish  more  than  one  form  of  this  species. 

GENUS  PHILACTE 
(Greek  0IXos,  philos,  loving  -f-  AKTIJ,  akte,  seashore). 

Philacte,  Bann.  Proc.  Acad.  Scien.,  Phila.,  1870,  p.  131. 
Type  Anas  canagica,  Sevast. 

Bill  stout,  with  the  teeth  exposed  only  at  angle  of  the  mouth. 
Nostrils  situated  on  anterior  end  of  the  nasal  fossae.  Nail  prom- 


SUBFAMILY  AXSERIN&.  271 

inent,  occupying  all  the  tip.  Cutting  edge  of  maxilla  concave. 
Skull  with  superorbital  depressions,  an  unusual  character. 
Tarsus  not  longer  than  middle  toe  and  claw.  Webs  of  feet, 
excised. 

But  one  species  of  this  genus  is  known,  an  inhabitant  of  the 
Alaskan  coasts,  and  some  of  the  Aleutian  and  other  islands  in 
the  Northwest,  very  occasionally  straggling  into  the  Pacific 
coast  States  of  the  Union.  It  is  a  very  handsome  Goose,  rather 
heavy  in  body  and  of  limited  dispersion;  a  bird  of  the  bleak 
regions  of  the  north,  never,  unless  by  accident,  penetrating  into 
temperate  climes.  Great  numbers  are  annually  destroyed  by 
the  natives,  and  its  probable  extinction  is  not  likely  to  be 
long  delayed. 

GENUS  BRANT  A 
(Greek  *  pptvBos,  brenthos,  an  unknown  water  bird). 

Branta,  Scop.  Ann.  I.  Hist.  Nat.,  1769,  p.  67.  Type  Anas 
bernicla,  Linn. 

Bill  short,  high  at  base;  nostrils  situated  about  the  middle; 
serrations  not  visible ;  commissure  straight.  Feet  rather  small. 

With  the  exception  of  one  species,  which  is  a  straggler  withiii 
our  limits,  all  the  members  of  this  genus  are  natives  of  North 
America.  It  comprises  the  various  forms  of  the  "  Cravat "  or 
Common  Wild  Goose,  and  the  smaller  species  known  as  Brant  or 
Brent.  They  are  scattered  over  the  United  States  during  the 
winter  months,  throughout  its  length  and  breadth,  the  various 
species  having  their  own  line  of  migration,  which  is  rarely  de- 
parted from,  though  a  few,  like  the  Canada  Goose,  are  met  with 
across  the  continent  from  ocean  to  ocean.  Some  of  the  species 
can  be  domesticated,  bear  confinement  well,  and  will  breed  in 
captivity.  The  flesh  of  the  young  is  very  palatable,  but  that 
of  the  old  birds  is  to  be  carefully  avoided. 

*  If  this  derivation  is  correct,  the  proper  name  for  the  genus  would  be 
Brenthus  and  not  Branta.  But  Brenthus  was  proposed  by  Schonherr  in 
1826  for  a  genus  of  Coleoptera,  antedating  Sundevall's  employment  of  the 
same  term  (Meth.  Nat.  Av.  disp.  Tent.,  p.  145,  1873),  and  therefore  it  may  not 
be  used  in  ornithology.  In  case  Branta  therefore  is  not  permissible,  the 
next  would  be  Leucoblephara.  La  Pres,  i84o=Leucoblepharon  Baird,  1858; 
each  used  by  its  author,  however,  as  a  subgenus.  These  failing,  Leuco- 
pareia,  Reichnb.  Av.  Syst.  Nat.,  p.  ix.  (1852),  is  available.  Bernicla  (Boie  Isis, 
1822),  is  preoccupied  (Bolt,  crust.  1798). 


272 


WATER   FOWL. 


KEY  TO   THE   SPECIES. 

A.  Head  black,  cheeks  white. 

a.  General  color  dark  brown,  under  parts 
light  brownish  gray,  grading  into  white, 
no  white  collar  at  base  of  neck. 

a'.  Size  large.    Average  total  length  about 
39  inches.     Tail  feathers,  18-20. 

b' .  Size  small.    Average  total  length  about 
29  inches.     Tail  feathers,  14-16. 

b.  General     plumage    light    brown,    under 
parts  dark  brownish  gray,  abruptly  sep- 
arated from  white    anal   region.     White 
collar  sometimes  at  base  of  neck. 

a'.  Size  large.    Average  total  length  about 
35  inches.      Tail  feathers,  18-20. 


b '.  Size  small.    Average  total  length  about 
24  inche.s.     Tail  feathers,  14-16. 

c.  General    plumage,    bluish    gray;    under 
parts,  grayish  white. 

B.  Head  and  cheeks  all  black. 

a.  White  patch   on  middle  of  neck,  com- 
posed of  streaks. 

b.  Broad  white  collar  on  middle  of  neck, 
interrupted  behind. 


CANADA   GOOSE. 

B.  canadensis. 

HUTCHINS* 
GOOSE. 

B.  c.  hutchinsi. 


WHITE-CHEEKEE 
GOOSE. 

B.  c,  occiden- 
talis. 

CACKLING 
GOOSE. 

B.  c.  minima. 

BARNACLE 
GOOSE. 

B.  leucopsis. 

BRANT  GOOSE. 

B.  bernicla. 

BLACK   BRANT. 

B.  nigricans. 


The  specimen  of  Hutchins'  Goose  mentioned  in  the  article  on 
that  species  as  having  been  killed  at  Puckaway  Lake,  and  now 
in  the  New  York  Museum  of  Natural  History,  is  rather  peculiar 
from  the  fact  that  while  the  under  parts  are  light  brownish  gray, 
grading  into  the  white  of  the  anal  region,  and  in  this  respect 
possessing  the  distinctive  mark  that  separates  its  species  and 
the  typical  Canada  Goose  from  their  allies,  there  is  also  a  narrow 
white  ring  at  the  base  of  the  neck;  a  character,  at  all  events  at 
certain  seasons  of  the  year,  of  B.  c.  occidentalis  and  B.  c.  minima. 
The  style  of  the  coloring  on  the  under  parts  in  the  two  divisions 


SUBFAMILY  PLECTROPTERINM.  273 

of  these  Geese  is  apparently  much  more  to  be  relied  upon  than  is 
the  presence  or  absence  of  the  white  ring  around  the  neck,  and  as 
this  Puckaway  example  is  unquestionably  B.  c.  hutchinsi,  from 
the  coloring  of  the  under  parts,  it  is  therefore  evident  that, 
occasionally,  at  all  events,  this  subspecies  assumes  the  white 
ring,  as  it  does  not  seem  at  all  necessary  that  the  question  of 
hybridism  in  this  case  should  be  considered,  although  it  is  true 
the  bird  was  associating,  at  the  time  it  was  killed,  not  with  its 
own  fellows,  but  with  a  flock  of  Canada  Geese.  The  white 
collar,  however,  would  appear  to  be  a  rather  doubtful 
character. 

SUBFAMILY   PLECTROPTERIN^E. 

THIS  subfamily  comprises  what  I  may  call  the  Geese- 
like  Ducks,  with  moderately  short  necks,  rather  long 
hind  toe,  not  lobed,  long  tail,  the  feathers  broad  and 
rounded  and  with  long  upper  coverts,  and  some  like 
those  in  the  following  genus  having  short  narrow  bills 
high  at  base,  tapering  to  the  tip.  It  includes  several 
genera  but  not  all  of  them  particularly  related,  some 
of  the  species  having  a  rather  brilliant  plumage,  with 
considerable  metallic  coloring.  They  are  scattered  all 
over  the  world ;  only  one,  however,  being  found  in  North 
America. 

GENUS  &X 

(Greek  al£,  cex,  a  water  bird). 

Aix*  Boie  (misspelling  for  JEx).  Isis,  1828,  p.  329.  Type  Anas 
galericulata,  Linn. 

Bill  high  at  base,  tapering  toward  tip,  shorter  than  head  or 
tarsus.  Basal  portion  of  maxilla  forming  a  sharp  angle  between 
feathers  of  lores  and  forehead.  Lamellae  small  and  few.  Nos- 
trils large,  oval.  Head  crested.  Tail  feathers  very  broad  and 
rounded  at  tip;  rectrices  sixteen,  upper  coverts  very  long. 
Tarsus  shorter  than  middle  toe. 

Two  species  only  are  contained  in  this  genus,  the  most  beauti- 
ful of  the  Family,  one  of  which,  the  Wood  Duck,  is  a  native  of 


274  WATER  FOWL. 

North  America  and  a  doubtful  straggler  to  the  Old  World;  the 
other,  the  Mandarin  Duck,  confined  to  China,  Formosa,  and 
Japan.  The  Wood  Duck  of  late  years  appears  to  be  growing 
less  plentiful,  the  beautiful  plumage  of  the  male  causing  it  to  be 
a  desirable  object  for  various  purposes,  one  of  which  is  dressing 
artificial  flies,  the  exquisite  flank  feathers  being  especially  se- 
lected for  that  purpose. 


SUBFAMILY   ANATINJE. 

FRESH-WATER    DUCKS. 

THIS  is  one  of  the  great  divisions  of  the  family  and 
contains  what  may  with  a  certain  degree  of  propriety  be 
called  the  Fresh-Water  Ducks,  though  it  must  not  be 
understood  from  that  term  that  none  of  the  species  ever 
go  to  the  sea.  They  are  readily  distinguished  from  the 
members  of  the  subfamily  FULIGULUSLE  or  Salt-Water 
Ducks  by  the  shape  of  the  hind  toe,  those  of  the  ANA- 
TIN^E  having  that  member  simple  or  normal,  the 
FULIGULIN^:  having  it  lobed  or  flat.  The  River  or 
Fresh-Water  Ducks  have  moderately  short  necks  and 
legs,  excepting  Dafila  and  Dendrocygna,  while  the  feet 
are  much  smaller  than  those  of  the  Sea  Ducks.  As  a 
rule  they  are  poor  divers,  and  procure  their  food  mostly 
in  shallow  water,  by  tilting  the  hinder  part  of  the  body 
so  that  they  can  reach  the  grasses,  etc.,  growing  on  the 
bottom  and  pull  it  up  with  their  bills.  When  wounded 
they  skulk,  laying  the  head  and  neck  flat  upon  the  water, 
and  seek  the  nearest  marsh  for  concealment.  The  flesh 
of  these  Ducks  is  generally  most  palatable,  the  excep- 
tions being  those  individuals  that  may  associate  and  feed 
even  temporarily  with  the  Sea  Ducks,  when  they  have 
usually  a  very  fishy  flavor.  These  birds  moult  twice  a 
year,  and  the  sexes  are  dissimilar  in  plumage. 


SUBFAMILY  ANATINM. 


275 


KEY  TO   THE   GENERA. 


(For  North  American  Species.} 


/.  Hind  toe  not  lobed. 

A.  Lower  part  of    tarsus    in  front,   without 
transverse  scutellae.    Neck  and  legs  long. 

B.  Lower  part  of  tarsus  in  front  with  trans- 
verse scutellae. 

a.  Bill  not  spatulate. 

a'.  Lamellae  of  mandible  projecting  out- 
ward. 

b' .  Lamellae  of  mandible  not  projecting 
outward. 
a".  Bill,  depth  at  base  less  than  width; 

broader  toward  tip  than  at  base. 
b" .  Bill,  depth  at  base  equal  to  width; 
narrower  at  tip  than  at  base. 
a'".  Lamellas   of  maxilla    prominent. 
Central  tail  feathers  not  elongated. 
b'".  Lamellae    of    maxilla    moderate.  \ 
Central    tail    feathers    moderately  > 
elongated. 

c" .  Bill,  depth  at  base  greater  than 
width.  Sides  of  maxilla  nearly 
parallel. 

a'".  Central  tail  feathers  much  elon-  ( 
gated.     Neck  very  long.  J 

b"".  Central  tail  feathers  not  elon- 
gated.    Neck  short. 

a4.  Upper  wing    coverts  blue   or  / 
bluish  gray.  ) 

b*.  Upper  wing  coverts  brownish 
or  slaty  gray. 

b.  Bill  spatulate. 


TREE   DUCKS. 

Dendrocygna. 


RUDDY    SHEL- 
DRAKE. 

Casarca. 


MALLARDS. 

Anas. 


GADWALL. 

Chaulelasmus. 

WIDGEON. 

Afareca. 


SPRIGTAIL. 

Dafila. 


1U.UE-WINGED 
TEALS. 

Querquednla. 

GREEN-WINGED 
TEALS. 

Nettion. 

SHOVELER. 

Spatula. 


*7<>  WATER  FoiVL. 

GENUS  DENDROCYGNA 
(Greek  Stvdpov,  dendron,  a  tree  -f-  Latin  cygnus,  a  swan). 

Dendrocygna,  Swain.  Class.  B.,  1837,  vol.  ii.,  p.  365  Type 
Anas  arcuata,  Cuv. 

Bill  as  long  as  the  head,  nail  occupying  nearly  all  the  tip,  and 
curving  downward.  Nostrils  ovate,  situated  high  upon  the  bill 
and  on  the  basal  portion.  Neck  long  and  slender.  Legs  very 
long,  lower  part  of  tibise  denuded;  lower  portion  of  tarsus  in 
front  without  transverse  scutellse,  but  covered  with  small  scales, 
like  those  of  Geese.  Hind  toe  one-third  the  length  of  tarsus. 

There  are  about  nine  Tree  Ducks  belonging  to  this  genus, 
scattered  over  various  portions  of  the  world.  They  are  peculiar 
for  their  long  legs  and  necks  and  have  affinities  for  Geese. 
They  roost  and  nest  in  trees,  and  have  a  variously  colored 
plumage,  some  species  being  very  attractive.  Two  only  are 
found  in  North  America,  penetrating  into  the  States  along  our 
southern  border,  for  these  Ducks  are  chiefly  dwellers  in  tropical 
lands. 


KEY  TO   THE   SPECIES. 
A.  Brownish  black  stripe  down  hind  neck. 

}     BLACK-BELLIED 
TREE   DUCK. 
D.  autumnalzs. 

!     FULVOUS  TREK 
DUCK. 
D.fulva. 

GENUS  CASARCA 
(Russian  cacharca,  sea  swallow). 

Casarca,  Bon.  Comp.  List  B.  Eur.  and  Amer.,  1838,  p.  56. 
Type  Anas  casarca,  Linn. 

Bill  with  parallel  sides,  culmen  nearly  straight,  lamellae  of 
mandible  projecting  outwardly.  Lower  portion  of  tarsus  in 
front  with  transverse  scutellae.  Tarsus  rather  long. 

A  genus  containing  four  handsome  species,  very  goose-like  in 
their  habits  and  in  the  tones  of  their  voices.  They  are  essen- 
tially birds  of  the  Old  World,  and  although  two  examples  of 


SUBFAMILY  AN  A  TIN Jt.  2)7 

one  species  are  supposed  to  have  accidentally  straggled  into 
Greenland,  that  fact  is  hardly  sufficient  to  give  it  a  rightful  claim 
to  be  included  among  North  American  birds,  especially  as  I  am 
not  aware  that  those  who  record  its  presence  in  Greenland  saw 
the  individuals  there  alive. 

GENUS  ANAS 
(Latin  Anas,  a  duck). 

Anas,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.,  1766,  vol.  i.,  p.  134.  Type  Anas 
boschas,  Linn. 

Bill  about  as  long  as  the  head,  longer  than  the  tarsus,  broad 
and  swelling  outward  toward  the  tip,  where  its  greatest  width 
is  nearly  one-third  the  length  of  the  culmen. 

In  the  A.  O.  U.  Check  List  this  genus  is  made  to  include 
a  number  of  species  such  as  the  Gadwall,  Widgeon,  and  Teal,  in 
addition  to  those  closely  related  to  the  type.  Genera,  of  course, 
are  not  found  in  nature,  but  afford  convenient  boundaries  for 
the  more  complete  arrangement  of  groups  in  natural  science. 
So  perhaps  it  would  not  be  absolutely  incorrect  if  all  the  Fresh- 
Water  Ducks  were  placed  under  ANAS;  but  as  a  number  of  them 
possess  characters  which  may  properly  be  called  generic,  and 
which  are  not  possessed  by  others,  there  is  no  reason  why  these 
should  not  be  recognized.  To  be  consistent  we  must  do  one  of 
two  things:  include  most  of  the  species  under  one  genus,  or 
accept  the  fact  that  there  are  numerous  genera  and  recognize 
the  characters  that  indicate  them  wherever  found.  ANAS,  as 
1  regard  it,  possesses  only  four  species  and  subspecies  in  North 
America,  one  (A.  f.  maculosa)  possibly  of  doubtful  validity,  as 
we  become  more  familiar  with  its  claims  for  separation  from  the 
others.  There  are  nearly  twenty  species  that  belong  to  this 
genus,  not  including  any  of  those  not  typical  retained  in  it  accord- 
ing to  the  A.  O.  U.  List,  but  which  properly  should  be  placed  in 
other  genera.  These  twenty  species  are  scattered  throughout  the 
world,  and  from  the  type,  the  Common  Wild  Duck,  are  descended 
most  of  the  domesticated  races.  The  members  of  this  genus 
rarely  go  beyond  the  Arctic  circle,  and  the  species  often  remain 
in  the  temperate  zone  throughout  the  year,  and  breed  wherever 
they  may  be.  In  fact,  the  two  subspecies  inhabiting  the  United 
States  are  rarely  met  with  as  far  north  as  Kansas.  They  are 
"mud  ducks"  ;  that  is,  fond  of  dabbling  in  the  ooze  found  along 


278  WATER  FOWL. 

the  banks  of  streams  or  the  bottoms  of  shallow  creeks,  and 
obtain  most  of  their  food  by  sifting  the  liquid  mud  through  the 
lamellae  of  the  bill. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

A.  Central    upper  tail  coverts  of  male  re-  )        MALLARD. 
curved.     White  on  wing  coverts.  J       A.  boschas. 

B.  Central  upper  tail  coverts  of  male  not  re- 
curved.    No  white  on  wing  coverts. 

a.  Sides  of  head  and  throat,  grayish  fulvous,   \      DUSKY  DUCK. 
closely  streaked  with  black.  )      A.  obscura. 

b.  Sides  of  head  and  throat,  pale  buff,  some-   j  FLORIDA 
times  streaked  with  black  on  cheeks  and  \     DUSKY  DUCK. 
portions  of  neck.                                               J    A.fulvigula. 

c.  Sides  of  head  and  throat,  buff,  streaked  j  MOTTLED  DUCK 

with  black.     Under  parts,  mottled  with  >    .,   f  , 

I  A. j.  maculosa. 
buff  and  blackish  brown. 

GENUS  CHAULELASMUS 

(Greek  x«»^«>*,  chaulios,  protuberant  -f-  *Xa<r/«>j, 
elasmos,  a  plate). 

Chaulelasmus,  G.  R.  Gray.  Bon.  Consp.  List,  B.  Eur.  and  N. 
Am.,  1838,  p.  56.  Type  Anas  strepera,  Linn. 

Bill  about  two-thirds  length  of  head,  longer  than  tarsus,  slen- 
der, widest  at  base,  greatest  width  less  than  one-half  the  length 
of  culmen.  Lamellae  of  maxilla  prominent.  Tail  pointed,  me- 
dian rectrices  not  elongated. 

This  genus  contains  the  well-known  Gadwell  or  Creek  Duck,  a 
cosmopolitan  species  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere,  and  possibly 
a  smaller  form  inhabiting  the  Fanning  Islands  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  The  male  is  readily  distinguished  from  other  species  of 
North  American  Ducks  by  having  a  great  deal  of  chestnut  color 
on  the  wing  coverts,  and  the  female  by  her  gray  and  white  spec- 
ulum. 

GENUS  MARECA 

(Mareca.     Brazilian  name  for  Teal). 

Mareca,  Steph.  Gen.  Zool.,  vol.  xii.,  1824,  pt.  ii.,p.  130.  Type 
Anas  penelope,  Linn. 

Bill  small,  tapering  toward  the  tip,  nearly  half  as  long  as  head, 


SUBFAMILY  AN  A  TIN ^E.  279 

and  about  equal  in  width  throughout  its  length.     Central  rec- 
trices  moderately  lengthened. 

Two  species,  out  of  the  three  known  to  belong  to  this  genus, 
are  found  within  our  borders  ;  one  indigenous  to  the  Continent, 
the  other  a  frequent  straggler  from  the  Old  World.  Both  are 
beautiful  birds,  the  male's  plumage  being  gayly  colored,  but  the 
two  forms  have  little  or  no  resemblance  to  each  other.  The 
European  Widgeon  has  more  strongly  contrasted  colors  perhaps 
than  those  seen  in  its  American  relative,  but  neither  has  very 
much  advantage  over  the  other  in  beauty.  The  exotic  species 
has  been  taken  many  times  in  various  portions  of  the  United 
States,  all  males,  however ;  the  female,  having  such  a  close  re- 
semblance to  that  of  our  Baldpate,  would  probably  pass  unnoticed, 
even  if  captured. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

!  EUROPEAN 

WIDGEON 
M.  Penelope.  $ 

B.  Top  of  head  whitish  ;  rest  of  head  and  \        BALDPATE. 
neck  whitish,  spotted  with  black,  and  with  a  >•      M.    ameri- 
lengthened  patch  of  metallic  green.  cana,     5 

C.  Head    and    upper  neck  reddish   brown,  f         WIDGEON 
spotted  with  black.  }  ^  penelop'e  $ 

D.  Head  and  upper  neck  whitish,  spotted  )        BALDPATE 
...  .  \       M.  atnen- 

with  black.  ( 

cana.  Q 

GENUS  D  API  LA 
(Dafila,  nonsense  word). 

Dafila,  Steph.  Gen.  Zool.,  vol.  xii.,  pt.  ii.,  1824,  p.  126.  Type 
Anas  acuta,  Linn. 

Bill  long  as  head,  slender,  the  width  about  one-third  the  length 
of  culmen,  and  nearly  equal  throughout  ;  neck  very  long  and 
slender.  Central  rectrices  greatly  elongated.  Wing  pointed. 
First  and  second  primaries  equal  and  longest.  Feathers  of  lores 
form  a  convex  line  at  base  of  maxilla. 


2  Bo  WATER  FOWL. 

This  genus  contains  only  three  species,  widely  separated  :  one 
the  North  American,  which,  however,  is  found  also  throughout 
the  northern  part  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere  ;  one  from  South 
America  ;  and  one  from  Kerguelen  Island.  The  American 
Sprigtail  is  a  gracefully  formed  bird,  and  although  its  neck  may 
seem  disproportionately  long,  it  does  not  appear  so  when  the 
bird  is  quietly  swimming  along  intently  seeking  its  food.  The 
Sprigtail  is  mainly  a  fresh-water  Duck,  and  although  it  is  found 
on  the  sea-coast,  yet  even  there  it  seeks  the  bays  and  sounds 
where  the  water  is  brackish.  It  goes  at  times  in  large  flocks, 
and  consorts  frequently  with  the  Widgeon,  the  two  species  fly- 
ing about  together. 

GENUS  QUERQUEDULA 
(Latin  Querquedula,  a  kind  of  Teal). 

Querquedula,  Steph.  Gen.  Zob'l.,  vol.  xii.,  pt.  ii.,  1824,  p.  142. 
Type  Anas  querquedula,  Linn. 

Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  longer  than  tarsus;  narrow,  sides 
parallel;  greatest  width  more  than  one-third  length  of  culmen. 
Tail  pointed.  Head  not  crested. 

Two  of  the  four  species  belonging  to  this  genus  are  found  in 
North  America.  The  males  in  full  dress  are  very  handsome 
birds  and  strikingly  different  in  the  color  of  their  plumage  from 
other  Ducks.  The  habits  of  these  teal  and  those  of  the  genus 
Nettion  are  very  similar.  Both  go  in  flocks  of  considerable  size, 
have  a  swift,  erratic  flight,  resort  to  like  localities  and  seek  the 
same  kind  of  food.  In  addition  to  its  attractive  appearance,  the 
Blue-winged  Teal  is  one  of  our  very  best  table  birds,  the  flesh 
being  tender  and  juicy,  and  when  it  has  been  feeding  upon  wild 
rice,  is  then  of  exceptionally  fine  flavor. 

KEY  TO   THE   SPECIES. 


crescentic  patch  between  eye  and  bill.  f  ~ 


A.     Head  and  neck  dull  plumbeous.     White  )     BLUE-WINGEU 

f 

) 

I 
) 


B.    Head    and    neck    bright    chestnut.      No  )  CI1™AMON  TEAL- 

white  patch  between  eye  and  bill.  I       *'  cyan°P~ 

tera. 


SUBFAMILY  ANAT1NM.  281 

BLUE-WINGED 
TEAL. 

Q.  discors.  $ 


C.     Throat  and  abdomen  white.  TEAL. 


\    CINNAMON  TEAL. 

D.     Throat  deep  buff.    Abdomen  rufous,  mot-  (       Q    cvanoti- 
tled  with  black.  j          te^a  o 


GENUS  NETTION 

(Greek  vtrnov,  nettton,  a  duckling,  dim.  of  vtrra,  netta,  a  duck). 

Nettion,  Kaup.  Natiirl.  Syst.,  1829,  p.  95.  Type  Anas  crecca, 
Linn. 

Bill  two-thirds  as  long  as  the  head,  much  longer  than  tarsus, 
slender,  slightly  narrowing  toward  the  tip;  greatest  width  one- 
third  the  length  of  culmen.  Head  not  crested. 

About  a  dozen  species  of  this  genus  are  distributed  throughout 
the  world,  of  which  only  one  is  indigenous  to  North  America. 
The  European  Green-winged  Teal,  a  close  ally  and  easily  con- 
founded with  the  North  American  species,  occasionally  straggles 
into  our  limits,  perhaps  more  frequently  than  is  supposed,  as  the 
ordinary  observer  would  not  notice  any  difference  between  them. 
Both  species  go  in  flocks  of  considerable  size,  and  have  a  swift, 
erratic  flight. 


KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 


A,  A  broad  crescentic  white  band  in  front  of 
wing  on  either  side  of  breast,  No  white 
on  scapulars. 


AMERICAN 

GREEN-WINGED 

TEAL. 

N.  Caroline n- 
sis.  5 


B.  No  crescentic  white  band  in  front  of  wing. 
Scapulars  margined  with    white    or   buffy  }•    GREEN-W1NGED 

white. 

}      N.  crecca.  $ 

There  appear  to  be  no  characters  for  distin- 
guishing the  females  of  the  two  species  from 
each  other, 


282  WATER  FOWL. 

GENUS  SPA  TULA 
(Latin  spatula,  dim.  of  spatha,  a  broad  blade). 

Spatula,  Boie.    Isis,  1822,  p.  564.    Type  Anas  clypeata,*L\m\. 

Bill  longer  than  head,  spreading  out  toward  the  tip,  where  it  is 
twice  as  wide  as  at  the  base.  Nail  prominent,  forming  a  hook. 
Lamellae  prominent.  Wings  long,  pointed.  Tail  short,  com- 
posed of  fourteen  acute  feathers.  The  peculiarly  shaped  bill 
makes  this  species  readily  recognizable  among  our  Ducks,  irre- 
spective of  other  characters. 

The  Shoveler  is  cosmopolitan,  and  the  American  bird  is  one  of 
the  four  known  species  of  the  genus.  The  others  are  natives  of 
South  America,  Australia  and  its  neighboring  islands,  and  South 
Africa,  respectively.  Of  the  North  American  species,  when 
arrayed  in  all  its  finery,  the  male  is  a  beautiful  bird,  although, 
from  the  disproportionate  size  of  the  bill,  it  is  apparently  slightly 
top-heavy.  It  has,  however,  a  graceful  shape,  and  walks  easily 
and  well.  The  female,  of  course,  can  be  distinguished  from  those 
of  other  species  by  her  large,  spoon-shaped  bill. 

SUBFAMILY   FULIGULIN^. 

SEA    DUCKS. 

THIS  subfamily  contains  the  Sea  Ducks,  which  are 
mainly  distinguished  from  the  species  of  ANATIN^E,  fre- 
quenting the  Rivers  and  Lakes,  usually  known  as  the 
Fresh- Water  Ducks,  by  having  a  membranous  web  de- 
pending from  the  hind  toe.  The  feet  are  larger,  with 
broader  webs  and  longer  toes,  while  the  legs  are  shorter 
and  placed  nearer  the  tail,  causing  the  walk  to  be  awk- 
ward and  somewhat  difficult,  but  facilitating  both  swim- 
ming and  diving.  Most  of  the  species  belong  .to  the 
Northern  -Hemisphere,  and  breed  in  high  latitudes,  and 
a  large  number  are  exclusively  marine,  but  others  are 
seen  occasionally  on  the  Great  Lakes  and  large  rivers. 
Individuals  found  in  such  localities  are,  however,  usually 


SUBFAMILY  FULIGULIXM.  283 

young  birds,  which  probably  from  either  fatigue  or  hun- 
ger have  made  a  brief  stop  while  migrating. 

The  members  of  this  subfamily  are  great  divers  and 
subsist  upon  mollusks,  fish,  various  grasses,  and  bulbous 
roots  which  they  procure  on  or  near  the  bottom.  Their 
flesh  varies  greatly  according  to  the  kind  and  quality  of 
their  food ;  those  subsisting  upon  a  fish  diet  possess  often 
an  "  ancient  fish-like  smell  "  and  taste,  while  those  that 
feed  on  leaves,  or  roots  of  the  more  delicate  plants,  such 
as  the  wild  celery,  are  very  tender  and  of  excellent  flavor. 
The  sexes  are  usually  very  different  in  the  hues  of  their 
plumage,  the  principal  exceptions  to  this  being  among 
the  Scoters  of  the  genus  GLDEMIA.  There  is  much  di- 
versity of  structure  among  these  birds,  necessitating 
quite  a  number  of  genera,  and  the  specific  characters  are 
strongly  marked,  and  consequently  easy  of  recognition. 
These  Ducks  feed  mostly  by  night,  the  persecutions  to 
which  they  are  subjected  preventing  them  from  obtaining 
their  food  during  the  day,  at  which  time, 'weather  per- 
mitting, they  assemble  in  large  numbers  in  the  middle 
of  broad  ^waters  and  sleep  or  dress  their  feathers.  Moon- 
light nights  are  favorite  ones  for  feeding,  and  on  such 
occasions  they  visit  creeks  or  ponds  in  marshes  near  the 
sea.  The  notes  uttered  by  these  birds  are  harsh  and 
guttural,  and  the  animated,  inspiring  quack  of  some  of  the 
fresh-water  species  is  never  heard  among  them. 

KEY  TO   THE   GENERA 
(For  North  American  Species.) 
A.  Hind  toe  broadly  lobed. 

I  RUFOUS-CRESTED 
DUCK. 
Netta. 


284 


WATER   FOWL. 


b.  Head  without  elongated  crest. 

a ' .  Bill  long  as  middle  toe  without  claw, 
greatest  width  LESS  than  one-third  the 
length  of  culmen.  Head  long,  not 
bunchy. 

b '.  Bill  shorter  than  middle  toe  without 
claw,  greatest  width  MORE  than  one- 
third  the  length  of  culmen.  Head 
bunchy. 

c ' .  Bill  shorter  than  head,  broad,  greatest 
width  nearly  HALF  the  length  of  the 
culmen. 

d ' .  Bill  with  membranous  expansion  on 
edge  of  maxilla  near  tip. 

<?'.  Bill  very  short,  narrow,  rather  pointed. 

a".  Anterior  edge  of  nostrils  nearer  the 
base  than  tip. 

b" .  Anterior  edge  of  npstrils  nearer  the 
tip  than  the  base. 

c" .  Bill,  height  at  base  two-thirds  length 
of  culmen. 

a'".  Central  tail  feathers  elongated. 

b" '.  Central    tail    feathers    not    elon- 
gated. 

a*.  Bill  shorter  than  tarsus. 


6*.  Bill  longer  than  tarsus. 

/'.  Bill  tumid  or  gibbous. 

g '.  Bill  with  two-thirds  of  the  culmen  cov- 
ered with  feathers;  pad-like  feathering 
around  the  eyes. 

k '.  Bill  with  naked  parallel  frontal  proc- 
esses. Feathering  around  eyes  normal. 


CANVAS   BACK. 

Aristonetta. 


SCAUP   DUCKS. 

Fuligula. 

LABRADOR 
DUCK. 

Camptol&m  us. 

GOLDEN  EYE 
DUCKS. 

Clangula. 

BUFFEL  HEAD 
DUCK. 

Charitonetta. 


LONG-TAILED 
DUCK. 

Havelda, 


HARLEQUIN 
DUCK. 

Histrionicus. 

STELLER'S  DUCK. 

Hentconetta. 

SURF   DUCKS. 

CEdemia. 
FISCHER'S  EIDER 

DUCK. 

Arctonetta. 

EIDER   DUCKS. 

Somateria,, 


SUBFAMILY  FU  L1GUL1NAL.  285 

GENUS  NETTA 
(Greek  v^rra,  netfa.  a  duck). 

Netta,  Kaup.  Naturl.  Syst.,  1829,  p.  102.  Type  Anas  rufina, 
Pallas. 

Bill  broadest  at  the  base,  narrowing  gradually  toward  the  tip; 
nail  broad  and  prominent,  more  than  one-third  the  width  of  the 
bill.  Outline  of  loral  feathering  slightly  concave.  Culmen 
longer  than  tarsus.  Head  of  male  with  lengthened  crest. 

One  species  only,  the  Rufous-crested  Duck,  is  contained  in 
this  genus,  an  inhabitant  of  the  Old  World,  where  it  ranges  from 
the  basin  of  the  Mediterranean  to  Turkestan  and  Northern  India, 
only  casual  in  Northern  Europe  and  Great  Britain.  In  North 
America  I  am  not  aware  that  anyone  has  ever  seen  it  alive, 
and  even  as  a  straggler  it  has  little  claim  to  a  place  in  our 
avi-fauna. 

GENUS  ARISTONETTA 

(Greek  Apto-ros,  aristos,  best  -|-  vtrra,  netfa,  a  duck). 

Aristonetta,  Baird.  B.  N.  Am.,  1858,  p.  793.  Type  Anas 
valisner.ia,  Wils. 

Bill  as  long  as  middle  toe  without  claw;  longer  than  head; 
greatest  width  less  than  one-third  the  length  of  the  culmen. 
greatly  depressed  toward  tip;  nail  moderate,  not  hooked.  Cul- 
men depressed  in  center  for  nearly  one-third  the  length  of  bill 
from  base.  Head  long,  not  bunchy;  neck  of  equal  diameter 
throughout  its  length. 

A  comparison  of  the  above  diagnosis  with  that  of  the  one  suc- 
ceeding gives  ample  evidence  of  the  generic  distinction  of  the 
Canvas  Back  and  Red-Head,  and  I  do  not  consider  that  such 
radical  differences  as  are  to  be  observed  between  the  two  species 
can  be  properly  accentuated  by  the  employment  of  ARISTONETTA 
subgenerically.  The  Red-Head  has  numerous  and  some  very 
close  allies  throughout  the  world  having  the  same  generic  char- 
acters, while  the  Canvas  Back  is  sui  generis,  and  has  no  exotic 
representatives  nor  home  relatives.  Its  very  peculiar  bill  and 
thick  neck,  the  latter  of  nearly  equal  diameter  for  its  entire 
length,  cause  it  to  be  conspicuous  among  the  Duck  tribe  and 
without  imitators,  unless  the  small  Ruddy  Duck,  with  its  thick 
neck,  can  be  considered  as  such. 


286  WATER  FOWL. 

GENUS  &THYIA 
(Greek  aWvia,  sethyia,  a  sea  bird). 

Aythya  (misspelling  for  JEthyia),  Boie.  Isis,  1822,  p.  564. 
Type  Anasferina,  Linn. 

Bill  shorter  than  middle  toe  without  claw,  as  long  as  head,  the 
greatest  width  more  than  one-third  the  length  of  the  culmen. 
Height  of  maxilla  at  base  equal  to  its  greatest  width,  moderately 
depressed  toward  tip.  Nail  prominent  and  hooked.  Head 
bunchy,  larger  than  neck,  which  is  compressed  at  the  throat. 

There  is  only  one  species  in  North  America  belonging  to  this 
genus,  the  well-known  Red  Head,  as  the  Canvas  Back,  which 
has  usually  been  placed  in  it,  I  regard  as  generically  distinct. 
The  genus,  however,  is  represented  in  South  America,  and  also 
in  the  Old  World  from  Great  Britain  to  Japan  as  well  as  in 
Africa,  Australia,  and  some  of  the  contiguous  islands.  One  Old- 
World  species,  s£.  ferina,  resembles  very  closely  the  American 
bird,  and  when  on  the  water  might  be  mistaken  for  it. 

GENUS  FULIGULA 

(Latin  Fulica  or  Fulix,  a  coot,  fam.fultcula,  or  possibly,  dim.  of 
fuligo,  soot,  black. 

Fuligula,  Steph.  Gen.  Zob'l.,  vol.  xii.,  pt.  ii.;  1824,  p.  187. 
Type  Anas fuligula,  Linn. 

Bill  short,  broad,  not  as  long  as  head,  widest  at  tip,  greatest 
width  nearly  half  the  length  of  culmen,  moderately  depressed, 
with  a  broad  nail  terminating  in  a  hook.  Height  of  maxilla  at 
base  less  than  greatest  width.  Tarsus  little  less  than  half  the 
length  of  middle  toe  and  claw.  Head  bunchy,  neck  rather 
slender. 

Three  species  of  this  genus  are  found  in  North  America,  one 
of  which,  the  Big  Black  Head,  F.  marila,  is  also  a  native  of  the 
Eastern  Hemisphere.  The  specimens  of  this  species  obtained 
within  our  boundaries  have  been  separated  from  those  .of  the 
Old-World  by  American  ornithologists,  but  the  characters  relied 
upon  to  distinguish  the  two  forms  are  not  apparently  tenable, 
the  American  examples,  even  among  those  shot  in  one  locality,  as 
was  clearly  shown  by  Mr.  Bishop  (Auk,  1895,  p.  293),  exhibiting 


SUBFAMILY  FULlGULIXsE.  287 

the  differences,  with  gradations,  that  were  attributed  to  the  two 
birds.  The  question,  therefore,  as  to  whether  there  is  both  a  dis- 
tinct species  and  sub-species  of  the  Big  Black  Head  would  seem 
to  be  clearly  settled  in  the  negative. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

A.  No  ring  around  neck. 

a.  Head  and  neck  black,  glossed  with  metal-  }  BIG  BLACK  HEAD. 
lie  green.  f    F.  marila.  $ 

b.  Head  and  neck  black,  glossed  with  metal-  /  LITTLE 

lie  purple.  f        BLACKHEAD. 

F.  affinis.  $ 

\       RINGED-NECK 

B.  Ring  around  neck.  >  DUCK. 

)    F.  collaris.  <$ 

C.  White  patch  on  wing. 

)    BIG  BLACK  HEAD. 

a.  Length  of  wing  8±  inches  or  over.  j-     R  marila    $ 

LITTLE 
BLACK  HEAD. 

F.  affinis.  9 

RINGED-NECK 
DUCK. 

F.  collaris.  9 


GENUS  CAMPTOL&MUS 
(Greek  Ka^n-ris,  kamptos,  flexible;   -(-  Xcu/i6s,  latinos,  throat). 

Camptolsemus,  G.  R.  Gray.  List.  Gen.  B.  ed.  2,  1841,  p.  95. 
Type  Anas  labradorius,  Gmel. 

Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  very  broad,  height  at  base  not 
equal  to  greatest  width.  A  membranous  expansion,  on  the  edge 
of  maxilla  toward  the  tip,  increases  considerably  the  normal  width 
of  the  bill.  Nail  prominent,  forming  a  hook  at  tip.  Nostrils 
oblong,  basal,  and  situated  rather  high  on  the  side  of  maxilla. 
Loral  and  cheek  feathers  stiff,  with  horny  tips,  extending  on  to 
base  of  maxilla  in  a  convex  line.  Tail  of  fourteen  feathers, 
short. 

The  single,  rather  peculiar  species,  comprising  this  genus, 
while  very  common  on  certain  parts  of  our  eastern  seaboard  fifty 


288  WATER  FOWL. 

years  ago,  is  now  extinct.  It  was  remarkable  for  the  unusual 
structure  of  the  bill,  which  differs  from  all  those  of  living  species 
of  Ducks,  and  for  its  striking  black  and  white  plumage.  It  was 
a  strong  flyer,  and  apparently  perfectly  competent  to  take  care 
of  itself,  and  the  cause  of  its  disappearance  from  our  Continent  is 
an  unfathomable  mystery.  Many  theories  have  been  advanced  to 
account  for  its  extinction,  but,  as  none  admit  of  proof,  it  is  impos- 
sible to  arrive  at  a  satisfactory  explanation. 


GENUS  CLANG  ULA 
(Latin  clangula,  dim.  of  clangor,  a  noise). 

Clangula.  Leach  in  Ross,  Voy.  Disc.,  App.,  1819,  p.  xlviii. 
Type  Anas  clangula,  Linn. 

Bill  shorter  than  head,  high  at  base  and  tapering  to  tip.  Nail 
prominent  and  hooked.  Anterior  end  of  nostril  nearer  to  the  tip 
than  to  the  loral  feathers.  Tail  rounded;  of  sixteen  feathers. 

Two  species  of  this  genus  are  found  in  North  America,  both  of 
which  are  also  natives  of  parts  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere.  The 
Common  Golden  Eye  of  our  coasts  and  rivers,  while  in  plumage 
it  resembles  in  every  particular  the  bird  obtained  in  the  Old 
AVorld,  has  been  separated  as  a  distinct  race,  on  account  of 
being  slightly  larger  on  the  average.  A  species  or  a  race 
founded  solely  upon  the  slight,  constantly  varying  size  of  indi- 
viduals has  a  very  difficult  position  to  maintain  in  any  family 
of  birds,  but  is  of  a  still  more  uncertain  quantity  when  the 
establishment  of  so  important  a  distinction  is  attempted  in  a 
like  manner  with  members  of  the  ANATID/E,  as  they  notori- 
ously vary  in  size,  so  that  individuals  of  the  same  species  can  be 
readily  found  whose  measurements  differ  at  times  in  a  surprising 
degree.  It  is  only  necessary  to  look  at  the  measurements  of  a 
series  of  almost  any  species  of  the  Anatidae  to  see  how  wide 
apart  the  two  extremes  are,  and  within  the  range  some  exam- 
ples would  undoubtedly  be  found  agreeing  exactly  with  their 
foreign  relatives,  if  they  had  any.  It  seems  as  if  ornithologists 
acted  at  times  under  the  conviction  that,  because  a  speci.es  is 
found  in  North  America,  it  must  be  specifically  or  racially  differ- 
ent from  its  Old- World  representatives,  and  then  the  slightest 
variation  is  deemed  sufficient  to  bestow  upon  it  a  new  name. 
There  are  a  number  of  such  instances  among  the 


SUBFAMILY  FULIGULIN&.  289 

which  serve  not  only  no  useful  purpose  whatever,  but  mystify 
and  confuse  the  student.  Therefore,  as  I  can  find  no  reliable 
characters  to  distinguish  the  American  and  European  Golden 
Eye  from  each  other,  and  no  certain  line  of  demarcation  between 
them,  I  have  deemed  it  both  unnecessary  and  unwise  to  retain 
the  name  given  to  our  bird,  for  I  cannot  see  that  its  claim  to  be 
considered  even  a  subspecies  has  in  any  way  been  satisfactorily 
established. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

A,  Bill  high  at  base,  narrowing  toward  tip. 
a.  Nostrils  nearer  the  tip  than  base  of  bill. 

)        GOLDEN  EYE. 

a  .  Head  and  upper  neck  metallic  green.      $  c  cianguia   ^ 

i        BARROW'S 
GOLDEN  EYE. 
C.  islandica.  $ 
c1.  Head  and  upper  neck  hair  brown. 

a".  Height  of  bill  at  base  LESS  than  dis-  \ 
tance  from  anterior  edge  of  nostril  to  (  ,  GOLDEN  EYE- 
nearest  loral  feathers.  )  C-  clan£ula-  $ 

b" .  Height  of  bill  at  base  EQUAL  to  dis-  \        BARROW'S 
tance  from  anterior  edge  of  nostril  to  >•     GOLDEN-EYE. 
nearest  loral  feathers.  J  C.  islandica.  9 


GENUS  CHARITONETTA 
(Greek  x^P^>  charts,  graceful  -}-  virra,  netta,  a  duck). 

Charitonetta,  Stejn.  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  No.  29,  p. 
163.  Type  Anas  albeola,  Linn. 

Bill  about  two-thirds  length  of  head,  height  at  base  half  the 
length  of  culmen.  Nail  rather  narrow,  curving  downward.  An- 
terior end  of  nostril  nearer  the  loral  feathers  than  the  tip  of  bill. 
Head  bunchy.  Tail  more  than  twice  as  long  as  tarsus. 

Only  one  species  is  included  in  this  genus,  the  common  Buffle 
Head  Duck.  By  some  authors  it  is  kept  in  the  previous  genus 
Cianguia.  The  Buffle  Head  is  a  native  of  North  America,  strag- 
gling occasionally,  when  it  loses  its  way,  to  Cuba  and  even  to 
Europe;  the  last,  however,  rather  exceptional.  The  male  is  a 
beautiful  bird,  the  head  rejoicing  in  rich  metallic  colors,  and  in 
its  general  appearance  he  is  a  diminutive  Golden  Eye. 


290  WATER  FOWL. 

GENUS  HA  VELD  A 
(Havelda,  Nonv.  Havelde,  a  Sea  Duck). 

Harelda  (misprint  or  misspelling  for  Havelde).  Stephens  in 
Shaw's  Gen.  Zool.,  1824,  vol.  xii.,  pt.  ii.,  p.  174.  Type  Anas 
glacialis,  Linn. 

Bill  shorter  than  head,  equal  to  tarsus,  widest  at  base,  narrow- 
ing rapidly  to  tip.  Nail  hooked.  No  lateral  angles  from  base  of 
culmen,  loral  feathering  at  base  of  bill  nearly  a  straight  line. 
Nostrils  situated  high  on  basal  half  of  bill.  Tail  pointed,  of  14 
feathers  ;  median  pair  slender  and  greatly  elongated. 

Only  one  species  is  recognized  of  this  genus,  a  native  of  both 
the  Western  and  Eastern  Hemispheres,  the  familiar  Old  Squaw, 
or  South  Southerly  of  sportsmen.  The  male  is  remarkable  for 
the  greatly  elongated  middle  feathers  of  the  tail.  It  is  a  Sea 
Duck,  flesh  fishy  and  disagreeable  in  flavor,  goes  in  flocks  of  con- 
siderable size,  and  flies  with  great  rapidity.  There  is  a  striking 
difference  in  the  plumage  of  summer  and  winter,  the  male,  es- 
pecially, in  the  two  seasons  appearing  like  quite  another  bird. 

GENUS  HISTRIONICUS 

(Latin  htstrionicus,  theatrical,  relating  to  the  bird's 
fantastic  coloring). 

Histrionicus,  Less.  Man.  d'Orn.,  1828.  vol.  ii.,  p.  415.  Type 
Anas  histrtonicus,  Linn. 

Bill  small,  about  half  the  length  of  head,  shorter  than  tarsus, 
tapering  rapidly  to  the  tip,  which  is  rounded  and  occupied  by  the 
hooked  nail.  Height  at  base  equal  to  the  extreme  width.  Loral 
feathering  convex  on  base  of  bill.  Frontal  feathers  advancing 
on  culmen  beyond  the  lores.  Nostrils  basal,  and  situated  high 
on  bill  just  beneath  the  culmen.  Tail  pointed. 

This  handsome  bird  with  its  fantastic  markings,  known  as  the 
Harlequin  Duck  is  the  only  species  of  this  genus.  The  female 
is  attired  very  differently  from  the  male,  and,  by  the  side  of  her 
brilliant  "  Lord,"  she  is  a  very  plain  little  body.  This  species  is 
essentially  a  bird  of  the  north,  rarely  entering  the  waters  of  tem- 
perate climes,  and  while  it  has  a  wide  distribution  over  northern 
North  America,  it  is  also  a  native  of  Iceland,  straggling  occa- 


SUBFAMILY  FULIGULINM.  291 

sionally  into  European  boundaries.  The  Harlequin,  in  some  of 
its  characters,  leans  toward  the  Eiders,  with  which  the  inter- 
vening genera  help  to  connect  it. 

GENUS  HENICONETTA. 
(Greek  m/c6s,  henikos,  singular-}-  v4rra,  netta,  a  duck). 

Eniconetta  (aspirate  ignored),  G.  R.  Gray.  List.  Gen.  B., 
1840,  p.  75.  Type  Anas  stelleri,  Pall. 

Bill  without  frontal  processes;  height  at  base  slightly  more 
than  greatest  width,  this  last  not  quite  equal  to  half  the  length 
of  culmen,  which  is  longer  than  tarsus.  Sides  of  maxilla  taper- 
ing gradually  toward  the  tip,  which  is  nearly  all  occupied  by  the 
nail.  Nostrils  ovate,  basal,  placed  high  on  maxilla.  Outline  of 
loral  feathering  convex.  Speculum  on  wing. 

One  species  only  of  this  genus  is  known,  the  beautiful  Steller's 
Duck,  a  dweller  in  high  northern  latitudes.  It  gathers  at  times 
in  great  flocks  in  the  desolate  regions  it  frequents,  and  often 
associates  with  other  Eiders  inhabiting  the  same  localities.  This 
genus  is  sometimes  spelled  Eniconetta;  but  as  this  entirely  ig- 
nores the  aspirate  of  the  Greek  c,  and  is  therefore  quite  incor- 
rect, I  have  not  continued  the  error. 

GENUS  (ED  EM  I  A. 
(Greek  otSrjfia,  oidema  ;  Latin  oedema,  a  swelling). 

Oidemia  (misspelling  for  CEdemia),  Fleming.  Phil,  of  Zool., 
vol.  ii.,  1822,  p.  260.  Type  Anas  nigra,  Linn. 

Bill  variously  tumid  or  gibbous;  frontal  feathers  extending 
further  on  the  bill  than  those  of  the  loral  region.  Maxilla  ex- 
tending anterior  to  nostrils,  thence  narrowing  rapidly  to  tip. 
Nail  broad,  occupying  the  entire  tip,  curved  and  hooked.  Nos- 
trils situated  about  middle  of  bill.  Extreme  width  of  bill  greater 
than  height  of  maxilla  at  base. 

The  Surf  Ducks  or  Scoters,  as  they  are  frequently  called,  are 
very  numerous  on  our  coasts  in  winter.  Four  species  inhabit 
North  America,  and  while  their  plumage  is  somber,  the  males 
being  either  all  black,  or  black  and  white,  the  bills  of  this  sex  in 
the  different  species  are  decorated  with  red,  orange,  or  other 
brilliant  colors.  It  is  a  cosmopolitan  genus,  the  members  being 


292  WATER  FOWL. 

found  in  both  hemispheres  in  northern  latitudes.  A  fifth  species, 
CE.  car  bo,  Pall.,  may  possibly  occur  in  Alaska,  its  proper  habitat 
being  Northeastern  Asia,  but  as  yet  no  specimens  have  been  pro- 
cured within  the  boundaries  of  North  America.  One  species,  the 
Velvet  Scoter,  attributed  to  the  New  World,  is  really  a  native  of 
the  Eastern  Hemisphere,  and  only  claims  a  place  in  our  avi- 
fauna by  the  accidental  appearance  of  individuals  in  Greenland, 
evidently  stragglers  from  the  regular  route  during  migration. 
The  flesh  of  these  Ducks  is  tough  and  fishy,  to  be  carefully 
avoided  whenever  served  at  table. 


KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

A.  Maxilla  more  or  less  swollen  at  base. 

a.  Plumage    of    male    black     with     white 
patches  on  front  and  back  of  head.    Black 
spot  on  swollen  base  of  maxilla. 

b.  Entire  plumage  of  male  deep  black. 

a'.  No  speculum. 


b' .  Speculum  white. 

a".  Swollen  lateral  basal  part  of  maxilla  )  VELVET  SCOTER. 

bare.  >      (E.fusca.  £ 

b".  Swollen  lateral  basal  part  of  maxilla  )    WHITE-WINGED 

feathered.  \         SCOTER' 

'  CE.  deglandi.^ 

c" .  A  white  spot  at  base  of  maxilla  and 
one  near  ear. 

a".  Upper  parts  brownish  gray.  J- 

[WHITE-WINGED 
SCOTER. 
CE.  deglandi.  $ 

GENUS  ARCTONETTA 
(Greek  UpKTog,  arktos,  a  bear  -|-  vtrra,  netta,  a  duck). 

Arctonetta,  G.  R.  Gray.     Proc.  Zool.  Soc  ,  1855,  p.  212.     Type 
Fultgula  fischeri,  Brandt. 
Bill  rather  small  and  narrow,  with  only  a  little  over  one-third 


SUBFAMILY  FULIGULIN&.  293 

of  the  culmen  exposed,  the  rest  covered  by  a  mass  of  dense  vel- 
vety feathers  that  come  to  a  point  beyond  the  nostrils  which  are 
partly  hidden  beneath  them.  From  the  culmen  these  feathers 
pass  obliquely  downward  to  edge  of  maxilla,  and  then  backward 
to  the  end  of  the  mouth.  A  line  of  feathers  extends  from  chin 
on  mandible  nearly  as  far  forward  as  those  on  the  culmen.  Nail 
occupying  most  of  the  tip,  but  there  is  no  hook.  Tertials  falcate. 
Tail  rounded,  feathers  inclined  to  a  point. 

One  species  represents  this  genus — the  curiously  marked 
Fischer's  or  Spectacled  Eider  of  the  northwest  coast  of  America. 
It  is  common  enough  in  the  localities  it  frequents,  but  rarely 
comes  to  the  southward  of  Alaska,  and  is  pre-eminently  a  bird 
of  the  Arctic  regions. 


GENUS  SOMATERIA 
(Greek  <rw/Mt,  soma,  body  -f-  tywv,  erzon,  wool). 

Somateria,  Leach  in  Ross'  Voy.  Disc.,  app.,  1819,  p.  xlviii. 
Type  Anas  mollisstma,  Linn. 

Culmen  about  half  as  long  as  head.  Bill  slender  with  acute  or 
rounded  lateral,  nearly  parallel,  processes  reaching  on  the  fore- 
head between  the  extension  of  the  frontal  feathers  and  those  on 
the  sides,  the  former  of  which  go  nearly  to  the  nostrils.  Sides  of 
bill  tapering  to  the  tip.  This  is  entirely  covered  by  the  nail, 
which  extends  downward  over  the  mandible  when  the  bill  is 
closed.  Nostrils  situated  just  in  advance  of  the  lateral  feather- 
ing on  the  maxilla.  Tertials  curved  downward  over  the  wing. 

This  genus  contains  four  well-characterized  species,  distributed 
in  the  Arctic  regions  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere.  Some  are 
celebrated  for  their  down,  which  is  collected  during  the  breed- 
ing season  from  the  nests,  and  is  an  important  article  of  com- 
merce. It  is  plucked  by  the  female  from  her  breast  to  serve  as 
a  protection  to  the  eggs.  Three  of  the  species  are  closely  re- 
lated, but  the  fourth,  the  King  Eider  or  King  Duck,  differs  in 
having  a  large  squarish  frontal  process  near  the  base  of  the  bill. 
This,  if  permanent,  would  perhaps  necessitate  the  removal  of  the 
species  to  a  separate  genus,  but  as  it  only  exists  during  the 
breeding  season,  and  at  all  other  times  the  bill  does  not  materi- 
ally differ  in  outline  from  those  of  the  other  Eiders,  the  species 
is  properly  retained  in  the  same  genus  with  them.  A  subgeneric 


294  WATER  FOWL. 

term,  Erionetta  (Hpiov,  erton,  wool  -|-  vtrra.,  netta,  a  duck),  was 
proposed  for  the  King  Eider  by  Coues  in  1884. 

The  Eider  Duck  of  the  Old  World,  and  the  one  obtained  in 
Greenland,  have  been  separated  by  American  ornithologists  for 
the  same  insufficient  reasons  given  in  similar  cases  of  certain 
Geese  and  Ducks,  viz.,  a  slight  difference  in  size,  to  which  in 
this  instance  is  added  a  variation  in  the  color  of  the  bill,  "  olive 
yellowish"  instead  of  "olive  green";*  a  distinction,  to  most 
persons,  practically  without  a  difference.  These  characters,  upon 
which  a  specific  or  subspecific  separation  of  the  birds  is  based, 
are  not  apparent  to  the  ordinary  observer,  and  only  occasionally 
to  the  expert,  and  can  hardly  be  deemed  of  sufficient  importance, 
considering  how  Ducks  vary  in  size,  and  also  the  difficulty  of 
recognizing  delicate  distinctions  of  slight  shades  of  olive,  to 
require  the  Greenland  and  European  birds  to  assume  any  kind 
of  separate  rank.  Species  or  subspecies,  where  the  individuals 
require  a  pair  of  dividers,  or  a  great  ability  on  the  part  of  the  in- 
vestigator, to  recognize  intimately  related  shades  of  color  for  their 
maintenance,  should  not  be  permitted  to  obtain  recognition  in 
what  ought  to  be  i-egarded  as  a  serious  scientific  study,  for  the 
differences  are  too  apt  to  mislead,  and  seriously  confuse  and 
discourage  the  conscientious  student. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

A.  Feathers  of  forehead  reaching  about  half 
as  far  on  bill  as  the  loral  feathers. 

a.  Frontal  angles  on  bill  broad  with  round  [  EIDER 
ends-                                                                      )       S.dresseri. 

b.  Frontal    angles    on    bill    narrow    with 
pointed  ends. 

a'.  Without  V-shaped  mark  on  throat  of  }  COMMON  EIDER. f 

male.  )  S.  mollissitna. 

b'.  With  black  V-shaped  marks  on  throat  )  PACIFIC  EIDER. 

of  male.  )  S.  v.-nigruin. 

B.  Feathers  of  forehead  reaching  to  posterior  )  KING  EIDER. 
end  of  nostril.  )  S.  spectabilis. 

*  Ridgway,  Manual,  2d  ed.,  1896,  p.  jog. 

tin  some  male  specimens  a  dusky  V-shaped  mark  is  seen  on  the  throat, 
but  this  is  very  exceptional. 


SUBFAMILY  ERISMATURIKJE.  295 


SUBFAMILY 

SPINE-TAIL    DUCKS. 

THIS  subfamily  is  represented  throughout  the  world 
by  many  species  comprised  in  about  four  genera,  two  of 
which  are  represented  by  only  one  species  each  in  North 
America.  One  of  these  has  a  wide  distribution  within 
our  limits,  but  the  other  can  only  be  regarded  as  a 
straggler  from  more  southern  latitudes.  They  are 
peculiar  little  Ducks,  with  large  heads,  and  very  broad 
bills  and  feet,  and  the  tail  is  composed  of  18  to  20  stiff, 
pointed  feathers,  frequently  carried  directly  upward. 
The  males  of  both  species  have  a  brilliantly  colored 
plumage,  of  red  and  black  hues  mainly,  but  this  is  only 
assumed  by  the  resident  bird  during  the  breeding  season. 
Both  kinds  are  skillful  divers,  and  fly  with  great  rapidity, 
buzzing  through  the  air  more  in  the  manner*  of  insects 
than  of  birds.  The  flesh  of  these  Ducks  is  fairly  good, 
and  of  late  years,  probably  from  the  growing  scarcity  of 
more  desirable  varieties,  the  Ruddy  Duck  has  taken  a 
rather  prominent  position  in  the  markets  of  our  land. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

(For  North  American  Species.} 

A.  Tail  feathers  stiff,  narrow,  pointed. 

a.  Nail  of  bill  with  the  point  bent  down-  )     RUDDY  DUCK. 
ward  and  backward.  )    Erismatura. 

b.  Nail  of  bill  with  the  point  perpendicular.  \    MASKED  DUCK- 

)        Nomonyx. 

GENUS  ERISMA  TURA 
(Greek  %PI<T/JM,  erisma,  a  prop  -}-  otfpd,  oura,  tail). 

Erismatura.  Bon.  Sagg.  Distr.  Met.  Agg.  e  Corr.,  1832,  p.  143. 
Type  Anas  jamaicensis,  Gmel. 


296  WATER   FOWL. 

Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  broad,  widening  toward  the  tip  and 
turned  slightly  upward;  nail  small,  narrow,  curved,  and  turned 
backward.  Nostril  about  middle  of  bill,  placed  near  culmen. 
Head  moderately  large;  neck  very  large,  permitting  the  skin  to 
pass  over  the  head  of  the  dead  bird.  Tail  of  eighteen  feathers, 
stiff,  narrow,  and  pointed,  with  large  shafts.  Tarsus  half  as 
long  as  middle  toe  and  claw.  Feet  very  large,  outer  toe  longer 
than  middle.  Wings  short. 

Only  one  species  of  this  genus,  out  of  the  twelve  or  fourteen 
recognized  by  ornithologists,  is  found  in  North  America,  the  well- 
known  Ruddy  Duck,  with  many  aliases  in  different  localities.  It 
is  generally  distributed  throughout  our  Continent,  going  at  times 
as  far  south  as  northern  South  America.  It  is  a  sprightly  little 
bird  with  some  rather  comical  habits. 


GENUS  NOMONYX 
(Greek  v6/M>s,  nomos,  law  -|-  6vtl-,  onux,  nail). 

Nomonyx,  Ridgw.  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  vol.  iii.,  1880,  p.  15. 
Type  Anasidominica,  Linn. 

Characters  similar  to  Erismatura,  but  the  nail  nearly  all  seen 
from  above,  and,  although  hooked,  does  not  bend  backward. 
Tail  composed  of  narrow  graduated  pointed  feathers  with  stif- 
fened shafts,  and  more  than  half  as  long  as  wing.  Bill  narrower 
for  its  length  than  is  that  of  the  allied  genus.  Outer  toe  shorter 
than  the  middle  toe. 

There  is  only  one  species  included  in  this  genus,  a  native  of 
tropical  America  straggling  into  eastern  North  America,  within 
whose  boundaries  a  few  examples  have  been  captured.  In  full 
plumage  the  male  is  a  very  handsome  bird,  and  rather  smaller  in 
size  than  the  common  Ruddy  Duck. 


SUBFAMILY   MERGIN/E. 

THE     MERGANSERS. 

THIS  subfamily  possesses  three  genera,  and  about  nine 
species,  and  is  represented  in  nearly  every  part  of  the 
world.  They  are  generally  known  as  the  Saw-bill,  or 


SUBFAMILY  MERGING.  297 

Fish  Ducks,  and  are  not  regarded  as  very  desirable  for 
the  table,  the  flesh  being  generally  impregnated  with  the 
flavor  of  fish,  which  is  their  principal  food.  They  are 
birds  of  handsome  plumage,  with  hues  from  delicate 
salmon  tints  to  rich  metallic  greens.  Some  of  the 
species  breed  in  trees,  and  all  are  fond  of  frequenting 
secluded  places,  and  keep  much  about  the  borders  of 
marshes  and  tidal  creeks  when  upon  the  coast,  and  are 
rarely  seen  on  broad  stretches  of  water.  They  fly  very 
rapidly  and  are  expert  divers,  and  destroy  immense 
numbers  of  small  fish.  Their  peculiarly  formed  bill  is 
apt  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  most  indifferent 
observer. 


KEY  TO  THE   GENERA. 

A.  Bill  long,  narrow,  hooked. 
a.  Culmen  longer  than  tarsus. 

a '.  Serrations  of  maxilla  inclined  back- 
ward. 


b '.  Serrations    of    maxilla    not    inclined 
backward. 

b.  Culmen  shorter  than  tarsus. 


Of  the  first  genus  there  are  about  seven  species  recognized, 
but  two  only  are  natives  of  North  America,  viz.,  the  Goosander 
and  the  Red-Breasted  Merganser.  The  second  contains  but  one 
species, — the  beautiful  Hooded  Merganser, — restricted  to  North 
America,  very  occasionally  straying  to  Europe;  while  the  third 
has  the  attractive  Smew,  an  Old-World  species  included  in  our 
fauna  on  very  slight  grounds;  the  female,  it  is  claimed,  having 
been  twice  taken  within  our  boundaries,  the  male  never. 


298  WATER  FOWL. 

GENUS  MERGANSER 
(Latin  mergus,  a  diver  -f-  anser,  a  goose). 

Merganser,  Briss.  Orn.,  vol.  vi.,  1760,  p.  230.  Type  Mergus 
merganser,  Linn. 

Culmen  longer  than  tarsus;  serrations  of  maxilla  and  man- 
dible tooth-like,  inclining  backward.  Bill  long,  narrow,  tip 
hooked. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  large  birds,  the  males  with 
iridescent  hues  on  the  heads  and  necks.  During  the  breeding 
season,  when  possible,  they  seek  lakes  and  rivers  within  the 
forests  and  rear  the  young  amid  their  solitudes.  Flesh  fishy  and 
unpalatable. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

A.  Head  and  neck  greenish  black,  metallic. 

)          GOOSANDER. 

a.  No  white  collar  on  neck;    under  parts  (_        ,* 
uniform-  I         canus.b 

}       RED-BREASTED 

b.  White  collar  on  lower  neck;  under  parts  (       »,,,,,,- .WCWD 

/•         MERGANSER. 

not  uniform.  J    M.  serrate*.  $ 

B.  Head  and  neck  tawny  brown. 

a.  Distance  between    nostril    and    nearest  \       GOOSANDER. 
feather  at  base  of  bill  GREATER  than  height  >•       M.  ameri- 
of  maxilla  at  base.  )        canus.  9 

b.  Distance    between    nostril    and    nearest  \  RED-BREASTED 
feather  at  base  of  bill  LESS  than  height  of  >      MERGANSER. 
maxilla  at  base.                                                   )  M.  serrator.  $ 


GENUS  LOPHODYTES 
(Greek  X6<£oj,  lophos,  a  crest  -f-  itfnjs,  dutes,  a  diver). 

Lophodytes,  Reichenb.  Syst.  Av.,  1852,  pi.  ix.  Type  Merg us 
citcullatus,  Linn. 

Culmen  longer  than  tarsus.  Serrations  of  bill  blunt,  not 
inclined  backward. 

Only  one  species  of  this  genus  is  known,  confined  to  North 


SUBFAMILY  MERGING.  299 

America,  the  beautiful  Hooded  Merganser,  noted  for  the  ex- 
pansive crest  of  black  and  white  exhibited  by  the  male,  and 
from  which  it  takes  its  name. 


GENUS  M ERG  US 
(Latin  niergus,  a  diver). 

Mergus,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.,  vol.  i.,  1766,  p.  207.  Type  Mergus 
albellus,  Linn. 

Culmen  shorter  than  tarsus. 

A  single  species  is  included  in  this  genus,  a  native  of  the  Old 
World,  of  doubtful  occurrence  in  North  America,  and  popularly 
known  as  the  Smew.  It  has  a  very  attractive  plumage  of  black 
and  white. 


L'ENVOI. 

The  history  is  finished,  the  self-sought  task  is  done, 

The  tale  is  told  of  creatures  wild  and  free; 

Of  a  tribe  that's  swiftly  passing,  its  course  now  nearly  run, 

Leaving  for  posterity  naught  save  a  memory. 

We  have  heard  the  bell-like  cry 

Sounding  faintly  in  the  sky, 

Of  feathered  squadrons  speeding  on  their  way; 

We  have  watched  the  sportive  broods 

In  the  Arctic  solitudes, 

Where  night  was  followed  by  an  endless  day. 

We  have  known  them  in  their  glory,  in  the  pride  of  numbers 

strong, 

Now  we  see  them  gathering  in  a  feeble  company, 
We  have  heard  the  waters  echo  to  the  music  of  their  song, 
Now  we  listen  to  the  silence  born  of  river,  lake,  and  sea. 

Nevermore  in  serried  ranks,  from  fierce  Atlantic's  shore, 
Across  our  wide  domain  to  Pacific's  tranquil  sea, 
The  fowl  will  cloud  the  heavens,  but  the  cry  of  "  Nevermore," 
Shall  echo  to  the  limits  of  Ages  yet  to  be. 


INDEX. 


ACADEMY  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES 
OF  PHILADELPHIA,  27,  42 

JEthyia,  284,  286 

"        americana,  59 
"        ferina,  286 

^Ex,  273 

"    galericulata,  87,  273 
"     sponsa,  90 

Africa,  North,  50,  98,  144,  178 
"        South,  282 

Agattu  Island,  76 

Aix,  273 

Alaska,  Coast  of,  19,  58,  84,  128, 
188,  206,  220,  232,  271 

Alaska,  Territory  of,  28,  35,  38, 
45,  46,  52,  57,  72,  73,  74,  77,  84, 
86,  122,  126,  128,  130,  136,  140, 
142,  154,  160,  162,  164,  1*65, 
169,  170,  180,  182,  184,  190, 

196,     197,     198,    203,    212,     217, 

219,  229,  230,  234,  235,  237, 
240,  245,  249,  254,  257,  292, 
293 

Alaskan  Peninsula,  199,  216, 
217,  229,  232 

Albemarle  Sound,  40 

Aleutian  Islands,  19,  35,  46,  52, 
54.  55,  69,  71,  72,  74,  75,  7&,  77, 
116,  134,  136,  160,  176,  184, 
188,  189,  196,  201,  203,  206, 
212,  217,  219,  220,  229,  232, 
245,  249,  252,  271 


America,  27 

"         Arctic,  27,  44,  171 

Central,  93,  136,  142 
"         Northern,  108,  203 
"         Northern  South,  93, 
130,  243 
America,  South,  93,  128,   132, 

136,  242,  243 
America,  Western,  38,  70,  86, 

133 
Anas,  275,  277 

acuta,  279 
"      anser,  270 

bernicla,  271 

"      boschas,  104,  277,  278 
"      breweri,  103 
"      canagica,  270 

casarca,  2*76 
"      clangula,  288 

clypeata,  288 

crecca,  281 
"      cygnus,  265 

dominica,  296 
"      ferina,  286 

fuligula,  186 
"      fulvigula,  no,  278 
"      fulvigula  maculosa,  112, 
277,  278 

'  Anas,  glacialis,  290 
"      histrionicus,  290 

jamaicensis,  295 
I  "  mollissima,  293 
303 


3°4 


INDEX. 


Anas,  nigra,  291 

"      obscura,  108,  278 
olor,  265 

"      penelope,  278 

"      querquedula,  280 

"      rufina,  285 

"      stelleri,  291 

"      strepera,  278 

"      valisneria,  285 
Anatidse,    Family,     263,     264, 

288 
Anatinas,  Subfamily,  263,  274, 

282 
Anderson  River,  45,  46,  57,  84, 

85,  86,  165,  190,  230 
Anderson  River,  Lower,  212 
Anser,  268,  270 

albifrons,  48 

"      fabalis,  50 

"       hyperboreus,  269 

"       rossii,  269 
Anseres,  Order,  263 
Anserinae,  Subfamily,  263,  267 
Anthony,  A.  W.,  198 
Arctic  Circle,  176 

"      Coast,  28,  190,  217 

Ocean,  19,  39,  46,  71,  74, 

86,  118,  120,  170,  186,  192,  201, 
225,  229,  230 

Arctic  Regions,  19,  27,  30,  31, 
41,  42,  45,  52,  57.  68,  84,  100, 
104,  113,  114,  122,  138,  147, 
159,  162,  164,  165,  178,  182, 
189,  192,  199,  204,  214,  227, 
234,  235,  293 

Arctic  Sea,  35,  45,  57,  68,  70,  85, 
118,  135,  160,  169,  175,  178, 
184,  188,  201,  206,  212,  217, 
234 

Arctonetta,  284,  292 

"  fischeri,  220 


Argentine  Republic,  96, 132, 243 
Aristonetta,  284,  285 
Aristonetta  valisneria,  152 
Asia,  31,  50,  97,  259,  260,  265 
"      Northeastern,  292 
"      Southern,  98 
Atkha  Island,  69,  134,  249 
Atlantic  Coast,  21,  30,  33,  34, 
35,  38,  40,  43,  45,  48,  70,  76, 
78,  80,  83,  84,  85,  122,  124,  134, 
142,   172,   175,   176,    196,  201, 

2O6,    2O7,    213,    214,    222,    223, 
225,  227,  234,  235 

Atlantic  Ocean,  19,  28,  39,  41, 
45,  57,  68,  100,  117,  118,  135, 
170,  203,  212 

Auk,  Great,  220 

Australia,  265,  282,  286 

Automniere,  128 

Aythya,  286 

BAEDEKER,  198 
Baird,  S.  F.,  271 
Bald  Crown,  120 

"     Eagle,  151 

"      Pate,  116,  118,  120 
Barren  Grounds,   28,   39,    124, 

190,  212 
Bee  Scie,  254 
Behring  Islands,  217 

"        Sea,    19,   46,    55,    188, 

206,  216,  220,  229,  232 
Behring  Straits,  45,  52,  55,  201, 

234 

Belden,  Mr.,  196 
Beliefs  Straits,  80 
Berlin,  97 
Bernicla,  271 

Bermuda  Islands,  204,  245 
Bishop,  Dr.  L.  B.,  286 
Black  Head,  164 


INDEX. 


305 


Black  Head,  Big,  160,  162,  286, 

287 
Black  Head  Creek,  164 

Little,     160,     161, 
164,  165,  170,  287 
Black  Head,  Ring-billed,  169 

Ringed-neck,  169 
Black  Neck,  162 
Blanc  Sablon,  172 
Blue  Bill,  Big,  161 

"          Little,  164,  170 
Blue  Peter,  61,  192 
Boardman,  G.  A.,  170 
Booby,  231 
Branchier,  87 
Brant,  78 

Blue,  34 
"       Gray,  47 
Pied,  47 
"       Prairie,  47 
"       Speckled,  47 
White,  37,  41 
Branta,  271 

"        bernicla,  83,  272 

Black,  80,  83,  84,  85,  86, 
272 

Branta  canadensis,  68,  77,  272 
Branta  canadensis,  hutchinsi, 

70,  77,  272,  273 
Branta     canadensis,     minima, 

77,  272 
Branta     canadensis,     occiden- 

talis,  73,  79,  272 
Branta  leucopsis,  79,  272 
"        nigricans,  86,  272 
Brazil,  Southern,  96 
Brent,  82,  271 
Brenthus,  271 
Brewer,  T.  M.,  196 
Bristle  Tails,  239 
British  Columbia,  133 


British  Islands,  31,  78,  134,  160, 

217,  251,  257 
British  Museum,  259 

"       Provinces,  178 
Broad  Bill,  164,  169 

"  Bastard,  169 
"  Bay,  161,  162 
"  Big,  162 

Little,  161,  164, 165, 
166,  170,  177 
Broad  Bill,  River,  164 

"          Saltwater,  162 

Small,  162 
Broady,  142 
Brooklyn,  173 
Brownsville,  242 
Buffle  Head,  63,  177,  184,  185, 

238 
Bull  Head,  176 

"     Neck,  151,  239 
Butter  Ball,  184,  185 
Box,  184 

CACCAWEE,  191 

Cairina  moschata,  104  (note) 

Calais,  155,  170 

Calaveras,  196,  198 

California,  Gulf  of,  128 

"  Lower,  86,  201,  204, 

214 

California,  Northern,  52 

"  State  of,  19,  29,  35, 

43,  55,  69,  72,  73,  74,  76,  77, 
84,  95,  96,  116,  117,  130,  132, 
147,  159,  188,  192,  195,  196, 
199 

California,  Southern,  35,  38,  44, 
93,  206,  212,  249 

Camptolaemus,  284,  287 

labradorius,  175 

Canada,  106 


306 


INDEX. 


Canard  cheval,  151 
"       fran§ais,  100 

gris,  113 
"       noir,  106,  169 

"      d'fite,  in 
"       violin,  158 
Canvas,  151 

Back,    118,    147,    148, 
149,   150,   151,   154,   158,    161, 
165,  186,  284,  285,  286 
Canvas  Back,  Royal,  147 
Canvas   Backs,   149,   152,    157, 

158 

Cape  Hatteras,  40 
"      St.  Lucas,  48 
Carolina,  North,  State  of,  19, 
20,  21,  40,  78,  87,  96,  104,  116, 
117,  124 

Carolina,  South,  State  of.  177 
Casarca,  275,  276 

"         casarca,  98 
Charitonetta,  284,  289 

albeola,  186 
Chaulelasmus,  275 

"  streperus,  114 

Chen,  268 

caerulescens,  34,  269 
"       hyperboreus,  38,  269 
Chesapeake   Bay,   20,  21,   149, 

152,  202,  214 
Chili,  132,  133,  243 
China,  47,  98,  134,  160,  162,  192, 

206,  251,  160,  274 
Churchill  River,  33,  43,  58 
Clangula,  283,  289 

"          clangula,  178,  289 
"          islandica,  102,  289 
Cockawee,  191 
Cock  Robin,  254 
Colorado,  State  of,  57,  113,  123, 
133,  136,  180,  181,  182,  198 


California,  Northern,  245 
Columbia  River,  132,  142,  240 

"       Upper,  198 
Commander  Island,  27,  45,  55, 

140,  184,  206,  217,  233 
Copenhagen,  50,  97 
Coot,  214,  239 

"      Bay,  203,  208 

"      Black,  208 

"      Booby,  239 

"      Broad  Bill,  239 

"      Brown,  203,  208 

"      Bumble  Bee,  239 

"      Butter-billed,  208 

"      Butterboat-billed,  203 

"      Gray,  203,  208 

"      Horse  Head,  203 

Hollow-billed,  203,  208 

"      Skunk  Head,  203 

"      Spectacle,  203 

"      Whistling,  208 

"      White- winged,  212 
Coots,  202,  203,  212 
Coppermine  River,  225,  229,  232 
Corpus  Christi,  in 
Cotton  Head,  254 
Coues,  Dr.  E. ,  294 
Coween,  191 
Cuba,  39,  41,  48,  90,   104,  118, 

120, 126, 136, 138, 175,  178, 184, 

186,  237,  254,  257,  289 
Currituck  Sound,  19,  24,  40,  78, 

87. 239 

Cygne,  27,  29 
Cygninae,  Subfamily,  263,  264, 

265 
Cygnus,  32,  265,  266 

"        columbianus,  27,  267 
"        cygnus,  32,  265,  266 
buccinator,  30,  267 
olor,  31 


INDEX. 


3°7 


DABCHICK,  237 
Dafila.  274,  275,  279 

acuta,  126 
Dakotas,  The,  30 
Dall,  W.  H.,  28,  54,  69,  164, 

180,  216,  229 

Delaware,  State  of,  172,  223 
Dendrocygna,  274,  275,  276 

"  aututnnalis,    93, 

276 

Dendrocygna  fulva,  96,  276 
Dipper,  184,  186 

Broad  Bill,  239 
Diver,  Hell,  237 

Ruddy,  239 
Saw  Bill,  254 
Dos  Gris,  158,  162 
Dresser,  H.  E.,  98,  195 
Duck,  Acorn,  87 

Black,  106,  107,  109 
"  "        English,  106 

Braminy,  98 
"       Brewer's,  103 

Buffle    Head,    184,   284, 
289 
Duck,  Creek,  113,  278 

"        Dusky,  102,  106,  176,  278 
Dusky,  Florida,  109,  in, 
278 
Duck,  Eider,  294 

Fiddler,  294 

"       Fiddler,  Yellow-bellied, 
95 

Duck,  Fish,  245,  249,  297 
"       Fulvous  Tree,  95,  276 
"       German,  113 

Gray,  100,  113 

"       Harlequin,  195,  196,  197, 
198,  284,  290,  291 
Duck,  Heavy-tailed,  239 
"      Horse,  151 


Duck,  King,  293 

"       Labrador,  172,  220,  284 
Long-legged,  92,  95 
Long-tailed,     188,     191, 


284 
Duck, 


243, 
Duck 

285 
Duck 


291 
Duck 


95, 
Duck 


Mandarin,  272,  274 

Masked,  242,  295 

Mottled,  i i.i,  278 

Muscovy,  104 

Noisy,  191 

Painted,  197 

Pied,  172 

Raft,  156,  159,  164 

Raft  Red-headed,  159 

Ringed  Neck,  169,  287 

Rock,  197 

Ruddy,  63,  237,  239,  242, 
,  285,  295,  296 
,  Rufous-crested,  144,  283, 

,  Rufous  long-legged,  95 
Sand  Shoal,  172 
Scaup,  1 60 
"       Big,  165 
"       Lesser,  164 
Skunk,  172 
Spectacle,  203 
Spirit,  176,  179,  184 
Steller's,    216.    217,   284, 

,  Stock,  100 

Summer,  87 

Summer  Black,  in 

Surf,  202,  203 

Surf  Black,  214 

Surf  White-winged,  214 

Swallow-tailed,  191 

Tree,  Black-bellied,  92, 
276 
,  Tufted,  169 

Velvet,  214 


INDEX. 


Duck,  Wheat,  120 
"       White-faced,  128 

Wild,  ico,  108 
"       Wild,  Common,  277 

Wood,  87,  88,  89,  90,  263, 
264,  273,  274 
Ducks,  267 

Eider,  284 

Fresh  Water,  263,  274, 
277,  282 

Ducks,  Golden-Eye,  284 
Salt  Water,  274 
"       Saw-billed,  245,  264 
"       Sea,  263,  274,  282 
"       Scaup,  158 
"       Spine-Tail,  263,  295 
"       Surf,  284,  291 
"       Tree,  275,  276 
"       Wood,  254 

EIDER,  225,  226 

American,  222,  223,  224, 

229,  232,  294 
Eider,  Common,  222,  224,  225, 

227,  229,  233,  236,  294 
Eider,  Fischer's,  219,  235,  284, 

293 
Eider,  King,  216,  232,  234,  235, 

293,  294 
Eider,   Pacific,   216,   229,    231, 

232,  294 
Eider,     Spectacled,    219,    235, 

293 

Eiders,  232,  234,  291,  293 
Egypt,  31,  48 
Egyptians,  48 
England,  100 
Eniconetta,  291 
Erionetta,  294 
Erismatura,  295 

jamaicensis,  240 


Erismaturinae,  Subfamily,  263, 

295 
Eskimo,    32,   33,    54,    172,    231, 

232,  235 
Europe,  31,  50,90,  144,  152,  182, 

203,   204,   215,   251,  257,  259, 

265,  289,  297 
Europe,  Central,  144 
"        Eastern,  98 
"        Northern,  50,  190,  217, 

225,  260,  285 
Europe,     Southern,      50,      97, 

98 

Exanthemops,  268,  269 
rossii,  44 

FALKLAND  ISLANDS,  132,  133 
Fanning  Islands,  278 
Faroe  Islands,  78 
Fiebig,  Mr.  Charles,  52 
Fielden,  Captain,  80 
Finnish  Lapland,  31 
Fisherman,  249 
Flocking  Fowl,  164 
Florida,  State  of,  106,  108,  109, 

132,    133,    188,   192,   201,  203, 

249,  254 

Florida,  Peninsula  of,  109 
Formosa,  Island  of,  274 
Forrester,  Frank,  214 
Fort  Anderson,  124 

"    Albany,  33 

"     Prince  of  Wales,  58 

"     Tejon,  93 
Franklin  Bay,  27,  85 
Fulica  americana,  61,  192 
Fuligula,  284,  286 

"         affinis,  167,  287 

collaris,  171,  287 
Fuligulinae,     Subfamily,     263, 

274,  282 


INDEX. 


Fulton  Market,  173 
Fundy,  Bay  of,  222 

GADWALL,    113,    114,    124,    275, 

277,  278 
Galveston,  95 

Bay,  19 

Garrot,  Rocky  Mountain,  180 
Geese,  The,  263,  267 
Brant,  78 
Canada,  273 
"       Laughing,  268 

Snow,  Greater,  268 
"       White-fronted,  270 

White-fronted       Euro- 
pean, 270 

Georgia,  State  of,  235 
Giraud,  J.  P.,  172 
Godthaab,  32 
Golden  Eye,  176,  177,  178,  183, 

289 
Golden  Eye,  American,  288 

"  Barrow's,       180, 

181,  289 
Golden  Eye,  Common,  180,  182, 

288 
Golden  Eye,     European,     178, 

288 
Goosander,  245,   246,  247,  249, 

250,  251,  254,  297,  298 
Goose,  Bailey,  37 

Bald-headed,  34 
"      Bar,  79 
"      Barnacle,  78,  272 

Bay,  68,  70 
"       Bean,  50 
"      Black-headed,  68 
"      Blue,  33,  34,  269 

Brant,  70,  80,  82,  272 
Cackling,  48,  52,  69,  74, 
76,  272 


Goose,  Canada,  36,  57,  61,  62, 

70,   71,  72,  271,  272 
Goose,  Canada,  Lesser,  70 

Cravat,  68,  268 
"      Emperor,  52,  54,  55,  72, 
268 
Goose,  Eskimo,  70,  86 

Flight,  70 
"       Gray,  47,  68 

"      Small,  70 
Hutchins',  69,  70,  71,  85, 
272 

Goose,  Laughing,  47 
"      Lidenna,  55,  72 
"       Lower  Ground,  46 
"      Mud,  70 
"       Prairie,  70 
"      Red,  41 
"      Reef,  68 
"      Ring,  83 

"       Snow,  33,  34,  35,  39,  40, 
4i,  43,  46 
Goose,  Snow,  Blue,  34 

"          "      Greater,    39,    41, 
268,  269,  270 
Goose,  Snow,  Lesser,  35,  37, 43, 

44,  268,  269 

Goose,  Snow,  Ross',  43,  77,  268 
"      Texas,  41 

Tundrina,  46,  70 
Goose,  White-cheeked,  72,  77, 

272 
Goose,  White-collared,  52 

"      -fronted,   45,    46, 
52,  270 

Goose,  White-headed,  34,  35 
"      Wild.  57,  62,  66,  67,  71 

Wild,  Common,  271 
"      Little,  70 

Winter,  70 
"      Yellow-legged,  47 


INDEX. 


Grand  Menan,  Island  of,  33 
Gray  Back,  158,  162 
Greaser,  239 
Great  Britain,  48,  98,  178,  192, 

259,  285,  286 
Great  Head,  176 
Great  Lakes,  201,  206,  212,  222, 

223,  234,  235,  282 
Great  Slave  Lake,  225,  237 
Green  Head,  100 
Greenland,  31,  32,  45,  48,  50,  78, 

80,  98,  134,  180,  182,  224,  225, 

227,   251,  254,   257,  266,   277, 

294 
Greenland,   Glacier  Valley,  42 

West,  97 
Greenland,  North,  50,  97 

South,  32 
Guatemala,  118,   120,  162,  164, 

167,  169,  171,  237,  240 
Guinea  Hen,  55 

HAIRY  CROWN,  254 

Big,  249 

Hairy  Head,  254,  256 
Harelda,  290 
Havelda,  284,  290 

"  glacialis,  192 
Hearne,  38,  43,  58,  137 
Hemisphere,  Eastern,  34,  79, 

160,  195,  237,  266,  290,  292 
Hemisphere,    Northern,      140, 

235,  293 

Hemisphere,  Western,  290 
Heniconetta,  284,  291 

stelleri,  217 
Hewitson,  198 
Histrionicus,  284,  290 

"  histrionicus,  199 

Honduras,  135,  138 
Hooper,  The  Wild,  31 


Horicon,  Lake,  155 

Hudson  Bay,  28,  33,  34,  39,  43, 

78,   80,  87,  90,   106,  136,  137, 

206,  212,  237,  240 
Hudson  Bay  Company,  259 
Humboldt  Bay,  52,  55 

ICELAND,  31,  32,  78,  97,  98,  180, 

182,  225,  251 
Icy  Cape,  234 

Illinois.  State  of,  28,  116,  272 
India,  98,  144,  260 
Indies,  West,  93,   128,  130,  164, 

167,  169,  171,  242,  243 
Iowa,  28,  30 

JAMES  BAY,  33 

Japan,  31,  47,  48,  98,  122,  134, 

178,  192,    195,    199,    206,  251, 

259,  260,  274,  286 
Jerdon,  Dr.  T.  C.,  98 

KADIAK  ISLAND,  216,  217 
Kamchatka,  27,  55,  140,  217 
Kansas,  State  of,  112,  130,  277 
Kennicott,  R.,-86,  164 
Kerguelen  Island,  280 
Kittitas,  198 
Koshkonong  Lake,  242 
Kotzebue  Sound,  160,  201,  206 
Kurile  Islands,  197,  198,  217 
Kuskokwim  River,  219,  220 

LABRADOR,    33,    108,    172,    201, 

213,  222,  223,  225 
Lady,  197 
La  Fresnaye,    Baron    de,   271 

(note) 
Lake  Champlain,  242 

"     Erie,  181 

"      Michigan,  188,  212 


INDEX. 


Lapland,  160 

Larus  Philadelphia,  251 

Laxa  River,  195 

Leggett,  F.  W.,  24 

Leucoblephara,  271  (note) 

Leucoblepharon,  271  (note) 

Leucopareia,  271  (note) 

Liverpool  Bay,  40,  85 

Long  Island,  40,    45,    78,    134, 

172 
Lophodytes,  297,  298 

cucullatus,  257 
Lord,  197 
Louisiana,    27,    29,  34,    37,   47, 

87,  92,  95,  96,    106,  in,  113, 

114,  125,   128,    142,    158,   162, 

169,  176,  245,  254,  259 

MACFARLANE,   MR.,  27,   45,  46, 

85,  165,  230 
Mackenzie  River,  39,  41,  212 

District,  136 
Mayoum,  48 

Maine,  State  of,  33,  34,  106, 
155,  170,  180,  186,  196,  222, 
225 

Maiden,  242 

Mallard,  61,  100,  101,   102,  103, 
104,   106,    107,    108,  141,    144, 
151,  176,  275,  278 
Mallard,  Black,  106 
Dusky,  106 
Gray,  100 

Manitoba,  Province  of,  123 
Mareca,  275,  278 

"        americana,  120,  279 
"       penelope,  117,  279 
Marionette,  184 
Massachusetts,    State  of,   101, 

172,  176,  178,  227,  242,  243 
Matamoras,  242 


Mazatlan,  95 
Mediterranean,  259,  285 
Merganser,   181,  249,    251,  254, 

297,  298 
Merganser,  American,  245 

Americanus,     247, 
298 

Merganser,  Buff-breasted,    245 
Hooded,      68,     89, 
238,  254,  255,  297,  299 
Merganser,  Red-breasted,  249, 

250,  251,  256,  297,  298 
Merganser,  Red-headed,  249 

"  serrator,   252,  263, 

298 
Merginae,  Subfamily,  263,  264, 

296 
Mergus,  297,  299 

albellus,  260,  299 
cucullatus,  298 
merganser,  298 
Mesquin,  142 
Mexico,  45,  48,  93,  96,  142,   161, 

170.  178,  184,  186,  254,  257 
|   Mexico,  Gulf  of,  19,  28,  29,  30, 
33.  34,  35,  45,  69,  70,  87,  90, 
92,  93,  100 

Mexico,  Western,  242 
Minnesota,  State  of,  164,  169, 

212,  237 
Mississippi,  River,  138,  190 

Valley  of  the,  19, 

20,  29,   33,  34,  35,  38,  39,  45, 

69,  70,  74,  77,  80,  86,  108,  128, 

132,  133,  HO,  237,  269 

Missouri,  State  of,  96,  201,  206, 

212.    214 

Mit-huk,  232 

Montana,  State  of,  44,  186 

Mud  Hen,  61,  192 

Museum   of  Natural    History, 


312 


INDEX. 


The  New  York,  69,  116,  174, 

181,  272 

Museum,  United  States  Na- 
tional, 197,  198,  265 

NEARER  ISLANDS,  206 

Nelson,  E.  W.,  49,  52,.  74,  123, 
164,  191,  196,  201,  207,  219, 
220,  229 

Netta,  283,  285 

rufina,  145 

Nettion,  275,  280,  281 

"        carolinensis,  138,  281 
"       crecca,  135,  281 

New  Brunswick,  Province  of, 
101 

Newfoundland,  195,  199 

New  Jersey,  State  of,  140,  173, 
175.  206,  234 

New  Orleans,  151,  259 

New  World,  45,  114,  195,  199, 
234,  249,  270 

New  York  City,  134,   144,  173 

New  York,  State  of,  180,  182, 
196,  242 

Nevada,  State  of,  95,  96 

Nile,  The  River,  48 

Nomonyx,  295,  296 

Norfolk,  202 

North  America,  19,  28,  30,  45, 
54,  57,  68,  78,  83,  87,  97,  100, 
104,  106,  113,  118,  120,  124, 
125,  130,  132,  134,  135,  136, 
138,  140,  142,  144,  147,  152, 
154,  159,  161,  162,  164,  167, 
169,  170,  171,  174,  175,  178, 

182,  186,    188,    192,    195,   198, 
199,    201,  206,    212,   214,    217, 
223,    225,    227,   234,   237,   240, 
245,    247,    249,   254,   257,   259, 
260,    264,    265,  266,    267,   269, 


271,  273,  274,  276,  277,  280, 
281,  285,  286,  288,  289,  290, 
291,  292,  295,  296,  297,  298, 
299 

North  America,  Eastern,  79,  80 

Norton  Bay,  219 

Sound,  55,  85,  201,  217 

Norway,  225 

Nova  Scotia,  78,  79 

Nueces  Bay,  in 
"       River,  95 

CEDEMIA,  283,  284,  291 
"        americana,  292 
"        carbo,  292 
"        deglandi,  214,  292 

perspicillata,  203,  292 
Ogdensburg,  181 
Ohio  River,  188,  204 
Oidemia,  291 
Oie  blanche,  37 
Oie  bleu,  34 
Oie  caille,  47 
Old  Granny,  161 

"    Injun,  191 

"    Molly,  191 

"    South  Southerly,  188 

"    Squaw,  188,  189,  191,  192 

"   Squaws,  190,  290 

"   Wife,  191 

"    World,  31,  45,    47,   50,  78, 

97,  114,116,  122,  134,  135,144. 

147,    162,    178,    192,  195,  199, 

224,   234,    249,    254,  259,  270, 

274,   276,    279,    285,   286,  288, 

294,  297,  299 
Olor,  265,  266 

"      bewickii,  265 

"      buccinator,  265 

"      columbianus,  265 
Oregon,  State  of,  35,  147 


INDEX. 


313 


Outarde,  68 
Ouzel,  195 

PACIFIC  COAST,  28,  30,  33,  34, 
35,  33,  44,  55,  69,  72,  73,  80, 

84,  128,  132,   147,  170,  201,  212, 
214,  234,  235,  237,  246,  249,  271 

Pacific  Ocean,  19,  45,  67,  68,  70, 
100,  117,  118,  135,  170,  176, 
184,  203,  278 

Panama,  104,  126 

Patagonia,  133 

Pearson,  H.  J.,  195,  198 

Peary,  Lieut.,  42 

Pewaukee,  Lake,  169 

Pheasant,  Water,  125,  254 

Philacte,  268,  270 

canagica,  55 

Pian  Queue,  125 

Pigeontail,  125 

Pigeon,  Wild,  88 

Pintail,  118,  122,  123,  124 

Plectropterinae,  263,  273 

Plongeur,  176 

Poacher,  120 

Pochard,  American,  159 

Point  Barrow,  74,  84,  217,  219, 
220 

Polar  Ocean,  84 

Potomac  River,  188 

Printempsnierre,  128 

Prybilof  Islands,  54 

Puckaway  Lake,  69,  149,  262 

Puffins,  197 

Puget  Sound,  196 

QUERQUEDULA,  275,  280 

cyanoptera,  133, 
280,  281 

Querquedula,  discors,  130,  133, 
280,  281 


RED  HEAD,  118,  147,   150,   154, 

155,    156,  157,    161,  284,   285, 

286 
Red  Heads,  149,  156,  157,  158, 

240 

Reichenbach,  271 
Richardson,  40,  57 
Ridgway,  R.,  183 
Ring  Bill,  169 
Ring-gaas,  83 
Ring  Neck,  170 
Rio  Grande,  92,  95 
Rio  Grande,  Lower,  243 
Rockies,  197 
Rock  River,  242 
Rocky  Mountains,  154,  180,  195, 

199 

Rook,  239 
Ross,  R.  B,,  78 
Ruddy,  239 
Rupert  House,  78 
Russia,  216 

SACRAMENTO,  95 

Valley  of  the,  155 
Salt  Lake  Valley,  Great,  43 
Sarcelle,  138 
Sasarka,  55 
Saskatchewan,   Valley  of  the, 

136 

Sauk  Island,  216 
Saw  Bill,  249 

Little,  254 
Sea,  245 

Scandinavian  Peninsula,  97,  98 
Scaup.  Big,  162,  164,  167 

Little,  124,  160,  162, 
164,  169,  170 

Scaup,  Big,  Ringed-neck,  169 
Schonherr,  Mr.,  271 
Scie  de  mer,  245 


INDEX. 


Scolder,  191 

Scoter,  American,  206,  207,  212, 

292 
Scoter,  Lake  Huron,  214 

"       Surf,  201,  203,  207,  292 
"      Velvet,  214,  292 
"      White-winged,  201,  212, 
292 

Scoters,  201,  283 
Scotland,  27 
Seal  Islands,  196 
Se-le-sen,  100 
Semiche  Islands,  76 
Sennett,  G.  B.,  in,  112 
Sheldrake,  249 

"         Buff-breasted,  245 
"          Pied,  240 
"         Pond,  254 

Ruddy,  97,  275 
Swamp,  245,  252 
Shelduck,  249 
Shepard,  C.  W.,  195,  196 
Shoa,  98 
Shoveler,  140,  275,  282 

"        Blue-winged,  142 
"        Mud,  142 
"        Red-breasted,  142 
Shuffler,  164,  169 
Big,  162 

"        Ring-billed,  169 
Shumagin  Islands,  206,  216 
Siberia,  78 

Siberian  Coast,  19,  52,  55,  217 
Sierra  Nevada,  195,  197,  199 
Silverton,  198 
Singley,  J.  A.,  in 
Sitka,  72,  73,  80,  201,  212 
Smee,  125 

Smew,  99,  259,  260,  297,  299 
Snipe,  122 
Somateria,  284,  293 


Somateria,  dresseri,  223,  294 

"          mollissima,  224,  227, 
233,  294 
Somateria,  spectabilis,  235,  294 

"         v-nigrum,  232,  294 
South  Southerly,  191,  290 
South  South  Southerly,  188 
Spatula,  275,  282 

"       clypeata,  142 
Speckle  Belly,  47,  113 
Speculum,  xix 
Spike  Bill,  254 
Spike  Tail,  125 
Spine  Tail,  239 
Spitzbergen,  78,  83 
Spoonbill,  140,  142 
.  Spreet  Tail,  125 
I  Sprig,  125, 
I  Sprigtail,  119,  122,  125,  158,  189, 

275 

Sprigtail,  American,  280 
Squealer,  87 
St.  Croix  River,  170 
St.  Lawrence,  Gulf  of,  180, 182, 

196,  213,  227 
St.  Lawrence  Island,  206,  216, 

234 

St.  Lawrence,  River,  181 
St.  Louis,  206,  212,  214 
St.  Michael's  Island,  19,  46,  52, 
55,   69,  72,  84,   201,  207,  212, 
219,  234,  249 
Stanislaus  River,  196 
States,  Eastern,  128,  133 

Middle,  195.  199,  212 
"      New  England,  213 
"      Northern,  114,  249,  252 
"      Northeastern,  101 
Northwestern,  152 
"      South  Atlantic,  101 
"       Southern,  104,  (note) 


INDEX. 


315 


States,  Western,  170 

Steel  Head,  239 

Stejneger,  L.  J.,  184,  233,  265, 

266 

Stewart  Island,  55,  101 
Stick  Tail,  239 
Stiff  Tail,  239 
Subarctic  Coast,  217 
Sundevall,  271 
Swaddle  Bill,  142 
Swan,  American,  26,  28 

"     Australian,  264 

"      Bewick's,  32 

"      Mute,  31,  32 

"     Trumpeter,  20,  26,  28,  29, 

267 
Swan,    Whistling,    20,    28,    29, 

266,  267 

Swan,  Whooping,  32,  266,  267 
Swans,  The  White,  265,  266 
Swinhoe,  R.,  206 

TAPKAN,  234 
Teal,  77 

'    American  Green-winged, 

135,  136,  281 
Teal,  Bluerwinged,  280,  281 

"     European,  134 

"         Green-winged, 

135,  281 
Teal,  Green-winged,   128,  130, 

134,  136,  137,  275 
Teal,  Mud,  138 

"     Red-headed,  138 

"     Salt-water,  239 

"     Scotch,  184 

"     Spoonbill,  142 

"     Summer,  128, 132,  280,  281 

"    Winter,  138 
Teals,  Green-winged,  275 

"     Blue-winged,  275 


Texas,  State  of,  45,  86,  93,  95, 
96,  106,  in,  118,  140,  142,  188, 
192,  237,  242 

Texas,  Eastern,  112 
"  Southern,  133 
"  Western,  29 

Trinidad,  212 

Trumpeter,  The,  266 

Turkestan,  285 

Turner,  L.  M.,  54,  55,  74,  76, 
134,  164,  197,  203,  219,  229, 249 

UNALASKA,  ISLAND,  55,  74,  77, 
188,  196,  216,  245 

United  States,  20,  28,  35,  43, 
57,  60,  69,  70,  77,  80,  92,  106, 
116,  117,  120,  124,  128,  129, 
132,  136,  138,  147,  148,  160, 
164,  167,  169,  171,  191,  203, 
234,  242,  247,  251,  252,  254, 
255-  259,  277 

United  States,  Eastern,  145 

Northern ,  30,  45,, 
52,  68 

Uppernavik,  District  of,  97 

Utah,  106,  180,  182 

VANHOFFEN,  DR.,  97 
Vancouver  Island,  147 
Vineyard  Island,  172 

WALKER,  DR.,  80 
Washington  Market,  173 

State  of,  35,  198 
Waukareen,  234 
Wavey,  Blue,  34,  269 

"        Common,  41,  43 

"        Horned,  43 
Waveys,  34 
Weaser,  245 
Webster,  Daniel,  172 


3i6 


INDEX. 


Welch  Drake,  113 
Wenatchee,  198 
Wenge,  Mr.,  97 
Whippier,  176 
Whistler,  176,  177,  178,  180 
Whistle  Wing,  176 
White  Back,  151 
White  Sea,  78 

Widgeon,     89,    113,    114,    nS, 
119,    120,    124,  156,  275,  277, 
280 
Widgeon,  American,  114,  116 

Bald-faced,  120 
"        European,  116,  279 
"        Gray,  113 
"        Green-headed,  120 
Wood,  87 


Wilson,  A.,  172 
Wisconsin,  Lakes  of,  251 
Wisconsin,  State  of,  69,  74,  77, 

136,    149,    155,  169,    188,  212, 

222,  234,  242,  243 
Wrangel  Land,  84 

XANTUS,  MR.,  93 

YUKON,  DELTA  OF  THE,  69,  73 
"       Fort,  28,  33,  45 

River,  19,  35,  52,  54,  55, 
57,  74,  84,  86,  122,  140,  147, 
160,  164,  177,  180,  196,  201, 
229,  232 

ZAN-ZAN,  120 


UNIFORM  WITH  THE  WILD  FOWL 


NORTH  AMERICAN   SHORE   BIRDS 

A  Popular  History  of  the  Snipes,  Sandpipers,  Plovers,  etc., 
inhabiting  the  beaches  and  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  and 
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These  popular  ornithological  books  by  PROF.  DANIEL  GIRAUD 
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jH 

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